FROM EVERY CORNER OF WATERTOWN, THE CRY IS DEAFENING

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