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The Winchester Select Board during its most recent meeting took steps to address water and sewer rates while approving the installation of a public Hanukkah menorah display and allocating its remaining federal COVID-19 relief funds.
Holiday display marks a step toward inclusion
In response to community requests for more inclusive holiday displays, the board unanimously approved the addition of a 9-foot Hanukkah menorah to complement existing holiday decorations.
Rebecca Slisz, executive director of the Network for Social Justice, praised the decision as demonstrating “commitment to equal treatment and opportunity to all.”
The town will work with petitioners to determine placement and logistics for the menorah before Hanukkah begins on Dec. 25.
The privately donated display will be managed by the donors, who will handle setup and installation.
Final decision ARPA funds directed to utility costs
The board allocated its remaining $365,500 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, directing approximately $317,000 toward a monthly MWRA water assessment payment, with the balance covering transfer station expenses.
The decision aims to provide relief to enterprise funds and potentially moderate future water rate increases.
“This ARPA money is kind of once-in-a-lifetime,” noted Select Board member Michael Bettencourt during discussions about allocation strategies.
The money marks the end of Winchester’s ARPA distribution of nearly $6.8 million in federal COVID-19 relief money.
The decision follows several major ARPA commitments in recent months, including $1.3 million for the Winchester High School gym floor replacement and over $200,000 in grants to local organizations in September.
All ARPA funds must be obligated through contracts or similar agreements by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent by Dec. 31, 2026.
Since receiving its first ARPA payment in 2021, Winchester has funded various initiatives, including COVID-19 response efforts, mental health services, and infrastructure improvements.
Water rates face continued pressure
A mid-year water and sewer enterprise fund update revealed continued pressure on rates, with retained earnings at approximately $724,000 or 5.2% of expenses — below the town’s target range of 8-10%.
The board reviewed a proposed rate plan that would include 9.5% annual increases through fiscal year 2029 to rebuild reserves.
Utility work raises traffic concerns
The board received a preview of Eversource’s planned transmission line maintenance project affecting several major town thoroughfares, including sections of Bacon Street and Main Street.
The work, scheduled to begin in summer 2025, involves replacing underground cables and conducting repairs on existing infrastructure.
Board members expressed concerns about traffic disruption and urged consideration of a phased approach to minimize community impact.
“We’re a donor community,” said Select Board member John Fallon, emphasizing the need for fair compensation for town resources used during utility projects that benefit surrounding communities.
New preservation committee takes shape
The board also began planning appointments for the newly approved Community Preservation Committee, with selections expected to begin in January 2025.
The committee will include representatives from various town boards and commissions, plus citizen members, to oversee funds generated by the recently passed Community Preservation Act.
“We learned a lot,” said Select Board Chair Michelle Prior, discussing the preparatory work done to establish the committee. “Probably the biggest thing was the sunset provision...every award has a sunset, kind of like ARPA. If there’s no shovel in the ground in a year, it’s gone.”
The Select Board meets again on Dec. 16.
NOTE: A photo has been added since this article was first published to specify that the menorah was placed in the town common with the other holiday displays.
