Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

WSAB to hear presentation on water rates later this week

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

The Water and Sewer Advisory Board will discuss water and sewer rates for fiscal year 2026 at its meeting Wednesday.

The WSAB is set to hear a presentation from the Abrahams Group regarding its FY 26 rates study, according to an agenda posted on the town website. From there, members will discuss how to develop rate recommendations for the Select Board. Those recommendations are set to be heard by the Select Board in June.

Water rates have risen over the past few years. In 2024, the Select Board voted to raise water rates by 40% but kept sewer rates flat. A vote in 2023 increased water 17.5% while reducing sewer, and a smaller increase for water was approved in 2022.

According to the Water-Sewer Department’s rate history document, the town has seen water rate increases since 2020. The water bill for an average user of 8,494 cubic feet is $517.90, almost double the $261.21 average from 2020. Sewer rates have declined in that same period.

Residents most recently expressed concerns over water and sewer rates at Annual Town Meeting last week. Over a discussion about an article to finish funding design work for an MWRA connection through Southborough, residents were concerned the cost would impact rates.

The article appropriates $375,000 from free cash to finish the design work. That money would be repaid into the general fund over two fiscal years through the water enterprise fund.

Officials at the meeting could not provide an answer about the funding’s impact on water and sewer rates, noting that the Select Board would take up approving FY 26 rates in June.

Latest News

This week’s Real Estate Transactions list shows two sales, both of which were over $1 million.

Marie Brock, 88, passed away May 12. She was a resident of Hopkinton.

The latest Professional Insights from Dave Menapace of The 5 Star Co-Host, LLC discusses how designing a rental for usability can please guests and encourage loyal repeat visitors.

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts is hosting Artful Connections with Molly Howes on Thursday.

Town meetings tonight include the Parks & Recreation Commission (5:30), Select Board (6) and Conservation Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

Winners of the Hopkinton Police Association’s annual Fishing Derby on Saturday pose with their trophies. Click here for more photos.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO