Western Mass. leaders push to expand Springfield Water and Sewer Commission board

Western Mass officials are looking to push a Senate-approved provision that would expand the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission board. 22 News reporter Aretha O'Dea joins us live in studio with what the expansion would look like. Yeah, that's right. Senator Jake Oliveira bringing together state and municipal leaders from Agawam, Westfield, Ludlow and Longmeadow this afternoon, calling for their communities to have a say on the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission's board. The commission provides drinking water and wastewater services to about 250,000 people across 10 communities. Currently, the governing body of the board is appointed by Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno. They establish the policies and procedures of water and sewer operations. Senator Oliveira and his colleagues support the Mass Ready Act, which would expand the board from three to seven members from other communities still having Springfield representation as a majority. They say this will create greater transparency for rate payers. The regional nature of this system and its governance structure has not kept pace. Communities are helping to pay those bills. Our communities deserve a seat at the table. This is not a divide between the city of Springfield or suburban communities. In fact, former mayor of Springfield, Mike Albano, understood that the commission had responsibilities extending well beyond Springfield's borders. Just a couple of hours ago Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno sent 22 News a letter that he sent to Senator Oliveira and several representatives back in September asking for support to oppose the language in the legislation. Mayor Sarno citing potential consequences on how much communities are sharing the financial burden with Springfield. Now the legislation is currently pending. I spoke with the Water and Sewer Commission's communications manager who says they have no comment at this time. Working for you, Aretha O'Dea, 22 News.