Finance Committee backs water, sewer rate increases

Finance Committee · Meeting of May 26, 2026

AMHERST — The Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of proposed water and sewer rates. The recommendation also covers the regulation changes that carry the rates, and the presiding member said it would go to the Town Council for a first reading the following Monday. Members asked that future rate work examine higher charges for the universities, which are the largest users, and an impact fee for large developments.

Councilor Jill Brevik asked for written guidance on what councilors can change in the budget. Staff and members said the council can cut cost centers by majority vote but can raise only education, by a two-thirds vote, with an identified source. Speakers said the town manager's elementary school line is $29,487,590, and the School Committee voted a larger amount.

The committee planned to take up the regional school budget Thursday at 1 p.m.

In the full story:

• The Full Story
• Why It Matters
• Key Motions & Votes
• Source
• Amherst's community access TV: Finance Committee meeting, May 26, 2026
• The complete report: 873 words

Source: the Finance Committee meeting of May 26, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.