Whitman DPW Board Raises After-Hours Emergency Service Fee to $200

WHITMAN -- February 11, 2026, Whitman DPW board raises after-hours emergency water service fee and tables dairy farm meter request. The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously at its February 11 meeting to increase the after-hours emergency service rate from $120 to $200, citing a new collective bargaining agreement that requires two employees on every after-hours callout at an estimated labor cost exceeding $300 per response. Superintendent Dave LeMay, who noted comparable surrounding-town rates in the $200 range, said the board can revisit the figure at any time. The board also tabled a written request from John Harnstra of Harnstra Farms at 94 Bedford Street for a second water meter to isolate non-sewered agricultural water use from his billing, directing LeMay to consult with meter owner the City of Brockton and draft a formal agricultural meter policy before any vote. On snow operations, LeMay reported 51.5 inches of snowfall to date, 15 salt operations, three plowing operations, and cumulative expenditures of $231,402.86 including 500 tons of salt on order but not yet delivered.