(BOSTON 1/12/2023) — Last week, in his final days in office, former Governor Charlie Baker signed into law a home rule petition that allows Millbury to establish a new structure for sewer privilege fees, or betterment fees. The bill also raises the fee from $5,000 to $7,500.

The legislation specifies that if an additional connection is made to an existing sewer system on an existing property, such as the addition of a new unit, the sewer privilege fee must be paid at the amount that was in effect at the time the existing system was connected to the Millbury sewer. By calculating the one-time fee in this way, it ensures all additional connections are paying the full fee, regardless of when the sewer was installed.

“This bill simplifies the fee structure for Millbury residents and businesses connecting to the municipal sewer system, ensuring fair rates for everyone that will help maintain the solvency of the Town’s sewer system,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I’m grateful for Representative Paul Frost and local town leaders’ collaboration on this bill.”

This legislation was filed by Senator Moore and Representative Frost as the result of a home rule petition passed by the Town’s residents at their June 2020 Town Meeting. Having been passed by the House and Senate, and signed by the Governor, the legislation has been written into law.

###