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Town of Mashpee Sewer Commission <br /> t <br /> 16 Great Neck Road North <br /> Mashpee, MA 02649 <br /> It was further explained that billing is currently based on a flat rate rather than metered usage, as <br /> the Town is still verifying meter accuracy and consistency across systems. While meters are <br /> being read, those readings are not yet being used for billing purposes. The current structure <br /> includes a first-tier usage allowance designed to cover typical residential use. <br /> Staff reported that the first billing cycle was issued on April 1, totaling 456 bills, including <br /> approximately 221 single-family homes and 228 condominium units, with expected quarterly <br /> revenue of approximately $91,200. Initial payments received to date total approximately $6,600. <br /> It is anticipated that quarterly revenue will increase as additional Phase 1 and IA connections <br /> come online. <br /> Additional revenue of approximately $49,000 has been collected through sewer connection <br /> permit fees. Staff noted that billing system issues related to online payments are being addressed <br /> and are expected to be resolved prior to the next billing cycle. <br /> The Commission discussed that revenue from user fees will contribute to the enterprise fund, <br /> with the goal of the system becoming self-supporting over time. It was noted that, at full Phase 2 <br /> buildout, base rate revenue could approach approximately $1.6 million annually, compared to a <br /> current operating budget of just under $2 million. <br /> Staff also acknowledged that some residents may experience financial hardship and advised that <br /> assistance may be available through a confidential financial review and abatement process, <br /> evaluated on a case-by-case basis. <br /> A resident, Joe Crowley, asked for clarification regarding the $200 quarterly sewer rate and how <br /> costs are allocated to properties not currently connected to the system. Staff and the Chair <br /> explained that the rate reflects an average subsidized cost and that the overall system is funded <br /> through a combination of user fees and broader Town support to meet state-mandated <br /> wastewater requirements. <br /> A resident, Karen Tannis, asked whether sewer billing would transition to a metered system and <br /> inquired about the potential use of different meter types. Staff explained that meter readings are <br /> currently being collected but are not yet being used for billing, as the Town is working to verify <br /> accuracy and consistency. It was noted that meter-based billing may be implemented in the <br /> future, but no definitive timeline has been established. <br /> Website <br /> Discussion occurred regarding communication with residents about ongoing construction <br /> impacts,particularly traffic disruptions associated with Phase 2. It was noted that traffic updates <br /> are issued on a rolling three-week look-ahead and may change with little notice due to <br /> construction conditions. <br /> Residents were encouraged to sign up through the Town website to receive notifications through <br /> the reverse alert system, which provided advance notice of road closures, detours, and traffic <br /> pattern changes. It was emphasized that Phase 2 would involve significant traffic impacts, and <br /> participation in the notification system is important to minimize disruption. <br />