Select Board Holds First Reading of Water Rate Plan, and Receives Update on Trash and Recycling Transition

ANDOVER, MA – The Andover Select Board met on Tuesday, May 27 in the Select Board Conference Room at Town Offices. During the meeting, the Board held a first reading of a proposed five-year water rate plan that outlines investments in aging infrastructure, revenue stabilization measures, and long-term planning for the water distribution system. The Board also recognized the departure of a longtime senior Town official whose leadership has shaped some of Andover’s most significant initiatives over the last decade. In addition, Town Manager Andrew Flanagan provided an update on the Town’s transition to automated solid waste and recycling collection, which will go into effect on July 1.

Water Rate Plan 
Town Manager Andrew Flanagan introduced a proposed water rate plan for Fiscal Years 2026 through 2030 to the Board. The plan was presented in collaboration with Water and Sewer Superintendent Jeff Crane and Water Treatment Superintendent Brian Peña and represents a strategic approach to maintaining water infrastructure, supporting operational needs, and ensuring long-term rate stability. This was the Board’s first reading of the proposal, and no vote was taken during the meeting.

The proposed plan is designed to support multiple long-term goals, including maintaining high-quality water treatment and distribution services for Andover, continuing comprehensive capital improvements to the Water Treatment Plant, and advancing a phased replacement of aging water mains. The Town has identified 40 miles of unlined or break-prone mains, with the plan prioritizing the replacement of 10.5 miles within the next five years. To meet this target, the plan recommends increasing the current water main replacement rate from two miles per year to four miles per year, which would require doubling the annual investment from $6 million to $12 million. This increase in capital investment would result in an annual debt service increase of approximately $750,000.

The proposed rate plan includes an annual increase to account for these capital costs as well as ongoing operational needs. Under the proposed rate structure, the average residential water bill in Andover would rise gradually but remain comparable to or lower than the average bills in neighboring and similarly sized communities. By FY2030, the average water bill in Andover is projected to increase to $1,068, which is lower than the projected average rate in peer communities of $1,100 for that year.

Approximately 10 to 11 percent of the proposed increase would be allocated toward capital expenses and debt service, with 8 percent specifically dedicated to the water main replacement program. The plan also includes funding to support recruitment and retention of specialized staff at the Water Treatment Plant in order to maintain service quality amid rising labor costs.

In addition to operational and capital considerations, the plan seeks to stabilize long-term rates by leveraging the financial structure of the water agreement with North Reading, which is in its 11th year. Under the proposed rate structure, revenue from North Reading is projected to increase by between 90 and 100 percent by FY2030, contributing to greater rate stability for both communities.

The presentation also addressed potential challenges and uncertainties that could affect revenue, including fluctuating water usage due to weather conditions, the impacts of conservation measures, and the long-term nature of water infrastructure debt service, which reduces budget flexibility in the near term. Flanagan emphasized that the recommended rate structure is intended to mitigate these risks while preserving the Town’s ability to continually improve its water delivery system.

Flanagan also outlined an alternative scenario in which the water main replacement program continues at its current pace of two miles per year. While this option would require a smaller capital investment, approximately $6 million annually, it would extend the full replacement timeline to 20 to 25 years and still necessitate an 11 percent annual rate increase, primarily to support other capital improvement projects at the Water Treatment Plant.

The Select Board will continue reviewing the proposal in advance of any formal vote. Additional discussions are expected to occur in the coming weeks.

Solid Waste & Recycling Update
During the Town Manager Report, Flanagan provided an update to the Select Board on the implementation of automated trash and recycling collection. The new system takes effect on July 1, 2025, and will require all households to use standardized, Town-issued trash and recycling carts.

All eligible households will receive one 65-gallon trash cart and one 95-gallon recycling cart. Flanagan announced that delivery of these carts will begin on June 9, 2025, and will take about two to three weeks to complete. Approximately 22,000 carts will be delivered to 11,000 household during this period.

Residents may request an additional 65-gallon trash cart for a one-time cost of $75. Additional recycling carts will be available at no cost after September 1. Residents who prefer smaller carts can request to swap their trash or recycling cart for a 35-gallon alternative. All requests for additional or smaller carts can be made online at andoverma.gov/workrequest. Carts requested after June 2, 2025 will be delivered in July after the program’s initial rollout.

The Town has hosted five public meetings about the transition to automated solid waste and recycling, and is in the process of sending its second direct mailing to all households. An insert with important details about the program will be included in all carts upon delivery.

Select Board Says Farewell to Chief Administrative and Financial Officer Patrick Lawlor
Tuesday’s meeting marked the final Select Board meeting of Chief Administrative and Financial Officer Patrick Lawlor, who is leaving the Town of Andover after eight years of distinguished service to become the Town of Burlington’s Assistant Town Administrator and Finance Director.

During his Town Manager Report, Andrew Flanagan thanked Lawlor for his service and reflected on his many contributions throughout his eight years with the Town. Lawlor came to Andover as a Management Analyst and quickly rose through the ranks to eventually become Chief Administrative and Financial Officer. As Flanagan noted, Lawlor has been a central player in many of the Town’s most significant undertakings over the last eight years, including negotiation of the North Reading Water Agreement, development and implementation of the Pension Obligation Bond Plan, and major capital projects including the Ballardvale Fire Station, the Robb Center, and West Elementary & Shawsheen Preschool. Flanagan also emphasized the importance of Lawlor’s role in responding to crises, including the Merrimack Valley Gas Disaster, the COVID-19 crisis, and several extreme weather events. Flanagan described Lawlor as being an essential part of his success as Town Manager.

Lawlor expressed his gratitude for those who have supported him throughout his time in Andover, including Andrew Flanagan, colleagues across all departments, and members of the community. He noted that one of the most valuable parts of his experience in Andover was the opportunity to grow professionally, and credited Flanagan for fostering an environment that encourages development, learning, and leadership at all levels of the organization.

Members of the Select Board thanked Lawlor for his thoughtful and consistent guidance, particularly in helping them navigate complex policy, financial, and operational decisions.

 Other Actions 

• The Select Board adopted a proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month in the Town of Andover.
• The Select Board recognized Patriotic Holiday Committee member Calvin Deyermond, who was reappointed during the meeting, for his 50 years of service to the Town of Andover in various volunteer capacities. 
• During his Town Manager Report, Andrew Flanagan announced that the second floor of Town Offices will be closed for a renovation project aimed at improving the accessibility of public space in the building beginning June 5. As a result, the Town Clerk’s Office, Assessor’s Office, and Treasurer’s Office will temporarily relocate to Old Town Hall, located at 20 Main Street.

 The Board is scheduled to meet next on Thursday, June 5. The full meeting can be viewed online through AndoverTV.