What money? you might ask.
Well, if you do have to ask, you are likely on your summertime political tune-out.
If so, it might be a good idea for you to tune back in, because it’s your money
and you might want to know how your hard-earned tax dollars will be spent, or misspent,
depending on your point of view.
I’m speaking
of the 10.5 million dollars of ARPA bucks sitting restlessly in Watertown’s
coffers, begging to be spent. ARPA, the American Rescue Plan Act, was meant to
help keep the U.S. economy afloat during the pandemic.
Now, with
the pandemic in our rearview mirror, what on earth should we do with the unused
surplus? Well, we could send it back to its rightful owners, the taxpayers. I’m
joking, of course. Governments don’t do that unless they’re bound to by law.
What governments
prefer to do is run lotteries and award the loot to the lucky winners. It gives
the appearance of generosity as long as you don’t stop and think about where
that government money came from, in the first place.
So we have 32
Watertown applicants, consisting mostly of government departments and social
organizations, all with pet projects, who will have a chance to be lottery
winners.
You really
should take a look at those projects. Some are sure to either amuse or alarm
you, depending on your point of view. I have no intention of critiquing any of
the proposed projects. I will leave that to you.
For me, the
logical question is: How do we – all of us – win this lottery? Is there a
solution that truly serves the greater good? Yes, there is. But first, let me
ask you this question:
Do you
believe comments made by some of our city councilors and certain residents that
Watertown’s main emergency is not having enough housing (especially affordable
housing) to accommodate those who would like to move here?
Or do you
believe that the real emergency is Watertown’s escalating cost of living that
is forcing current residents to move elsewhere because their once-affordable homes
are becoming unaffordable?
Here’s a comment
that a resident left on Watertown News:
“As a
retiree on a limited income, I am frightened by the potential water and sewer
cost increases. As it is, I am paying a much higher rate than I had in any
other state I’ve lived. I have always strived to conserve on water use, but
there really is nothing more I can do on my part to ease the financial burden.
I’m distressed and frightened. Please use the ARPA funds to lessen the blow on
residents. Thank you.”
So, one of
our neighbors is “distressed and frightened” which undoubtedly intensifies
every time her water and sewer bill lands in her mailbox. For all those Watertown
residents who quietly share her pain, the future is about to get worse. A lot
worse.
According to
DPW Superintendent Greg St. Louis, projected increases in water rates will be:
5.5 percent
in fiscal year 2024
5 percent in
fiscal year 2025
4 percent in
fiscal year 2026
2.5 percent
in fiscal year 2027
2.5 percent
in fiscal year 2028
And
projected sewer rate increases will be:
6 percent in
FY24
5.25 percent
FY25
4.5 percent
in FY26
4 percent in
FY27
4 percent in
FY28.
The annual
increases in both water and sewer rates will cover the costs of replacing
leaking pipes, of which 75 to 80 miles are over 100 years old. Does this
make you wonder how many gallons of water are being wasted each and every year?
Thousands of
gallons? Hundreds of thousands of gallons?
Mr. St.
Louis is looking for ARPA money to pay for these infrastructure repairs, which,
if fully funded, will bring down the annual water rate increases to 3 percent
for each fiscal year from 2024 through 2028.
And the sewer rate increase will be lowered to 3 percent in FY 24, 25, and 25. And will drop to 2.75 percent in FY27 and 2.5 percent in FY28.
Not painless but at least merciful and it is of course a no-brainer to use ARPA money to ease the pain of our neighbors and strengthen that townish quality that still remains (despite what some people think) in the little City of Watertown.
It makes
perfect sense to me and I’m certain it makes perfect sense to you, but there’s
a problem.
Homeowners
and renters that are struggling to shoulder the burden of paying for life’s
most basic necessity – water − are not represented by an advocacy
group, so they are pretty much invisible. And they are no group’s pet project.
Of course, not everyone is stressed and frightened by escalating taxes and fees. Watertown continues to grow more affluent and, to many in that category, there’s nothing scary about runaway increases in taxes and fees. After all, Watertown is still a bargain compared to Wellesley, Weston, and Beverly Hills.
And here is
a great thing about living in this country. People are free to donate as much
money as they would like to support the causes that are personally important to
them.
But those we
elect to guard the people’s purse are expected to serve the greater good before
indulging in their own pet projects. How will the lottery work out for that
greater good that includes all homeowners, renters, and even our precious small
businesses? We will have to wait and see. But you might want to weigh in on this
− if you haven’t already.
What do you think? Could it be a million gallons per year being wasted, right under our feet?
As sexy
topics go, water pipes are pretty low on the list, and sewer systems are even
lower. But in a summer of catastrophic thousand-year storms devastating cities and
towns within driving distance of Watertown and extreme heat and drought always
a threat, doesn’t our infrastructure warrant a lot more attention than it is
currently receiving?
It's your
town. It’s your future, your kids’ future, and your grandkids’ future. And it’s
your money.
Bruce
Coltin, The Battle For Watertown
