Water board denies abatement, sets repayment path
The Southwick Water Commissioners voted 3-0 to deny an abatement on a $916.97 water bill for a vacant house at 6 Eagle Street.
Water · Meeting of August 20, 2026
SOUTHWICK — The Southwick Water Commissioners voted 3-0 to deny an abatement on a $916.97 water bill for a vacant house at 6 Eagle Street. Chairman Ed Johnson, Commissioner Dave Mitchell and Commissioner John Kane denied the request after DPW Director Rich Walsh explained the bill is already in collections; owner Dennis Zinchenko can apply for a credit once he pays up and the department installs a new meter. Walsh told the board the town's unaccounted-for water rate has climbed to about 24 percent due to leaks on Robin Road and near Rising Corner.
He also said rising Springfield Water costs will force a local rate increase, with detailed figures expected at the September 17 meeting. "That's the problem with buying distressed properties," Zinchenko told the board, describing hidden costs like a $10,000 unpaid sewer betterment he discovered after purchase. The board also approved six elderly rate applications and reported $257,421 in retained earnings.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 1,968 words
Source: the Water meeting of August 20, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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