Southwick sewer rates to increase 36%, but taxpayer subsidy will also rise

SOUTHWICK — After a discussion that involved the history of the construction of the town’s sewer system, the Select Board voted unanimously to increase sewer rates an average of 36% and increase the town’s subsidy to offset the sewer department’s shortfall.

“It’s not pretty no matter how we cut this,” said Select Board Chair Jason Perron. “The rates have to go up.”

The decision was made at a joint meeting Thursday involving the Select Board, the Finance Committee and the Sewer Implementation Committee.