Center for Civic Design

There has been an agreement already for 44 years. That agreement expires in 2019.

The town manager presents some facts: Over the last 5 years, NR has paid Andover $1.5 million Need approval from the state legislature for a home rule petition Town must approve to make the petition.

Town manager asserts the the amount of water NR would purchase is well within the capacity provided by the lovely Merrimack River

Town manager explains a tiered system of pricing. Uses an example of 9,000 gallons to a household, showing and Andover resident would pay about $35, and NR residents would pay about $82

Town manager continues, explaining rate increases over the next 5 years. The rate will cover costs, and the infrastructure in Andover. North Reading is responsible for their own infrastructure.

Andover is conducting a water main replacement program. With revenue from North Reading, it will cost $2m. Without, it will cost $3m.

In a 99-year agreement, options are built in to deal with changes that are out of control of both towns.

Average annual water bills will increase 28% in the first year if we do not sell water to North Reading. There’s a calculator on the town website. Cost per family is comparable to other town initiatives.