Sewer Betterments an Issue of Contention for North Easton Villagers

Outspoken residents made it clear to Easton selectmen Monday night that they are not happy with the price they'll pay in betterments for construction associated with the North Easton Village Wastewater Treatment Project.

Selectmen unanimously approved estimated betterment assessments for the 88 parcels in the district. Selectman Todd Gornstein was not present.

The average single family homeowner in the district received an estimated assessment of $20,900. Particularly large houses, multi-family homes or commercial properties received a higher estimated assessment.

The payments for landowners in the sewer district can be financed for 20 years at 4 percent interest, shaking out to an additional $384 line item on the average single-family homeowners' quarterly tax bill. A "yes" vote on Article 42 at Monday's Annual Town Meeting could extend payments to 30 years and knock $67 off the average quarterly payment.

Many of the villagers said the additional bill would be too much and argued that it was not fair for a small group to pay for a system that would ensure safety for the entire town's drinking water.

"It's just not fair," said resident Beth Kenney. "It's just not equitable."

Selectmen argued that the information has been readily available to residents, numerous public meetings have been held, and numerous Town Meeting votes have moved the project forward. The motion made by selectmen Monday night pointed to three Town Meeting articles; two of which secured funding in April 2010 (Article 3) and May, 2011 (article 10) and another outlined the sewer district bylaw in May, 2011

"Every vote has taken place to move that project forward and we can’t go back and change those things," selectmen chair Colleen Corona said.

Town Administrator David Colton said betterment payments were estimated to cost approximately $20,000 as far back as public meetings held in the fall of 2010.

"We were always very careful when we talked about the $20,000 being the equivalent of a single family home," Colton said.

Corona added that the discussion surrounding wastewater in Easton has been ongoing for the past decade since she joined the board.

"The state has required us to look at Easton to decide which areas would be prioritized for sewers," she said. "We had to pick five areas, determine areas that have the highest level of need. North Easton Village had the highest need."

Resident Timothy Morrissey was among the most outspoken Monday night. He said his septic systems were new and in good condition. With multiple properties, he said he would be hit hard by the betterment fee.

"Do you really think people can afford this?" he said.

Morrissey also said town officials were "deceptive" in outlining the amount of failed systems in North Easton and in implying that property values would go up as a result of the sewer system.

"This is where even if it's not willfully deceptive, it's deceptive by accident," he said.

Resident Tony Pires said the entire town should help pay for the sewer system.

"The biggest thing I think the board should consider is this district is going to benefit everyone in town," he said.

Pires urged other residents to push for a change.

"We have to do something about it," he said. "I don't think we should be here to come down on our leaders. They're doing what they think is in the town's best interest. It doesn't mean that is correct."

The largest estimated betterment assessment was for the Ames Shovel Shops at $1,570,000.

The Shovel Shop site will also house the wastewater treatment plant, which will service 50,000 gallons per day. Homeowners and business owners who choose to connect to the sewer system will pay a one-time $150 fee to connect and then pay a quarterly fee similar to a water bill in addition to the betterment.

Colton said residents who had qualms with the estimated assessments could still discuss it with town officials until final assessments are made next year.