Plainville Select Board Approves 8% Water and Sewer Rate Increase for Fiscal 2027

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH — June 22, 2026 — Plainville Select Board votes 8% water and sewer rate hike for fiscal year 2027. The board unanimously approved the flat 8 percent increase Monday after rejecting a more complex Option 2 that would have held the lowest 8,000-gallon water tier to a 4 percent increase while raising higher tiers by 10 percent. Water and Sewer Superintendent Steve White and Town Administrator Jeff Noble, who together replaced a $40,000 outside consultant for the annual rate analysis, projected each 8 percent increase would generate roughly $200,000 in excess revenue — partially rebuilding water retained earnings drawn down to approximately $730,000 after roughly $540,000 was spent at the annual town meeting on the new well design and other purchases. White argued against the tier restructuring, saying "I would really appreciate it if you at least stay the course until I get the meters installed" — with 400 meters still awaiting replacement and billing data mid-migration to a new Munis accounting system. The board also approved two water treatment plant change orders: a $13,281.70 addition for omitted flocked flooring and an $18,778.61 credit for a substitute color analyzer, netting roughly $5,497 in the town's favor.