Proposed Hinsdale sewer hike would raise bills over two years

Under the proposal, the rate would rise by $1.32 per 1,000 gallons, and the quarterly user fee would increase by $15.17.

Residents could see sewer charges climb 32 percent across the next two years if selectboard members approve a plan scheduled for review at a public hearing Monday evening.

The proposal calls for annual increases of 16 percent in each of the next two years, a step town officials say is tied to a recent financial review of the system. Town Administrator Kathryn Lynch said the review examined the condition of town assets, expected repair needs and the revenue required to keep the sewer budget stable.

Under the proposal, the rate would rise by $1.32 per 1,000 gallons, and the quarterly user fee would increase by $15.17. Current sewer charges stand at $8.22 per 1,000 gallons, with a quarterly user fee of $94.79.

Lynch said the existing rates do not generate enough money to meet day-to-day expenses, and the new structure is intended to move the sewer operation out of deficit while creating room for maintenance and infrastructure work.

The town has used a similar approach for water rates, which are also rising 16 percent each year for two years. Those charges are now $6.96 per 1,000 gallons, plus a quarterly meter fee of $48.40.

For context, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the average person uses about 82 gallons of water a day. A 2025 report from the N.H. Department of Environmental Services found that a household using 90,000 gallons annually paid an average of $867.93 for water and $1,100.04 for sewage in New Hampshire.