Board Approves 75% Water Bill Abatement for McDonald's After Meter Issues

The Water and Sewer Commissioners meeting held on May 14, 2025, in Charlton, Worcester County, focused on the discussion of a proposed abatement for a local business due to discrepancies in water meter readings. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding the accuracy of previous water usage measurements and the installation of a new meter that has shown significantly lower usage.

Commissioners discussed an ongoing issue where the previous meter recorded inflated water usage, leading to higher bills for the business. The board had previously approved abatements for two quarters, contingent upon the installation of a new meter and verification of no inflow and infiltration (I&I) problems. The new meter, installed after the last quarter in question, has been recording much lower usage, indicating that the old meter was faulty.

Brian Owens, a member of the commission, presented findings that supported the case for an abatement, suggesting that the new meter provides a more accurate picture of the business's water usage. He recommended a 75% reduction in the bill based on historical data and comparisons with similar businesses in the area. The original bill for the last quarter was approximately $206,000, and the proposed abatement would reduce this to around $51,500.

The commissioners engaged in discussions about the specifics of the abatement, including the exclusion of late charges. A motion was made to approve the abatement based on the new meter readings and the historical context of the business's water usage. The motion received a second, and the board moved forward with the approval process.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of accurate water metering and the board's commitment to addressing billing discrepancies. The approval of the abatement reflects the commission's efforts to ensure fair billing practices for local businesses. Further steps will involve finalizing the abatement details and ensuring all necessary signatures are obtained for the approval.