Working to lower your Springfield Water & Sewer Department bills

Please view the video below to hear me speak at the Springfield City Council about proposed reforms I’ve recommended the Springfield Sewer & Water Commission’s implement. Listen starting at 11 minutes, 54 seconds to hear me advocate for lower water and sewer bills for Springfield residents, especially our seniors, Veterans, those with a low income, and those with a disability. Scroll below to read my entire Press Release.

Springfield, MA – City Council At Large Candidate Juan F. Latorre III is proposing reforms to make the cost of water and sewer services more affordable for Springfield residents. The announcement of reforms comes during a unique moment where the Springfield City Council is preparing to re-confirm all three Commissioners this evening during the Council’s Regular Meeting. This is a unique occurrence, as the terms of the Commissioners of the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission (SWSC) are intended to be staggered. Due to an error, the terms of two Commissioners have already expired.

“The reforms I am proposing come from conversations I have with residents every day about their day-to-day expenses. Because SWSC relies heavily on every day rate payers to fund their investments, residents are routinely expected to absorb 6-8% annual price increases for services, while their annual incomes may only increase by 2-3%. These reforms are needed to help keep water and sewer services affordable in our community.” said Mr. Latorre III.

Mr. Latorre III’s reforms include:

• The Customer Assistance Program (CAP), designed to offer up to a 25% credit to the annual bill, should be reformed to allow more residents to be eligible for the discount. Currently, only customers who also qualify for participation in the Low Income Heating Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can qualify for CAP. Expanding the number of customers who can participate in CAP will acknowledge that nearly 1 in 3 residents in Springfield live at the poverty line, and they include those who are struggling, but still do not qualify for LIHEAP.

• The Discount Program for Senior, Veteran, and Disabled Customers should be revised so that Seniors aged 65 and older can qualify. Currently, Seniors must be aged 68 or older. Changing the date to 65 would allow more Seniors to participate, and align the SWSC with the State Clause 41C statute that Springfield residents already enjoy. Additionally, the eligibility requirement for Veterans should be changed so that any Veteran with a 10% or greater disability rating is eligible, replacing the existing, restrictive 80%.

• The SWSC Abatement Policy should be reformed to allow homeowners to apply for an abatement more than once in their lifetime. The existing policy forces Springfield residents to absorb the cost of smaller, unintentional water leaks due to the fear that in the future, they may not be able to apply for an abatement for larger water leaks. The Policy should allow a resident to be considered for an abatement once every 5 years.