Hanover Freezes Water Rates, Upgrades Salt Shed, EMS Fees
HANOVER - Hanover is moving forward with several public service improvements this summer—without raising water rates or relying on new taxes.
The Select Board recently approved freezing residential and commercial water rates for fiscal year 2026. At the same time, the town will move ahead with upgrading its public works facilities using a donated salt shed and funds from a long-unused state account. Ambulance fees will also be updated to stay in line with industry benchmarks.
Water Rates Held Steady
Hanover’s water rates will remain unchanged in the upcoming fiscal year. The town will use $206,000 in retained earnings to keep rates flat while still meeting its $5.4 million water revenue target.
“This will look at the Select Board approval of the quarterly water meter connection charges, the water rates, the water usage structure for fiscal year 26,” said Budget Director James Hoye.
He said keeping rates stable will offer some relief to residents and businesses after years of gradual increases.
Salt Shed Donation Saves Thousands
Hanover is accepting a large white fabric-covered salt shed from resident Melsi Xhengo. The 10-year-old structure will replace the deteriorating shed at Ames Way, and officials say the structure is expected to serve the town for up to another two decades.
The estimated cost to move and retrofit the donated shed is around $50,000, plus an additional $8,000 to $10,000 for a new cover. Those expenses will be covered by $361,000 in state Chapter 90 funds that had been earmarked for a salt shed project more than a decade ago.
Deputy DPW Superintendent Kurt Kelley confirmed that any remaining funds will roll into other Chapter 90 projects, including roadwork on Main and Center streets.
Ambulance Fees Updated
Ambulance service fees are being revised to reflect average rates among comparable towns. Hanover uses the Comstar Top 50 benchmark to guide pricing updates, a practice followed for the past several years.
“These are kind of a regional dependent,” said Colangelo, noting that Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement levels remain unchanged.
The fee adjustments will primarily affect private insurance plans and are not expected to result in significant out-of-pocket costs for most residents.
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