News Briefs

Raise Funds for Fireworks

The annual fundraising for the Fourth of July fireworks has begun, according to Fire Chief Paul Flanagan, and yes, this year’s fireworks will be on the Fourth!

Donation can be sent to the Winthrop Fireworks Fund, 40 Pauline St., Winthrop, MA 02152.

 

Loans Available to Help Those in Winthrop Recover from March Nor’easter

Winthrop officials announced that loans are available to Winthrop citizens affected by a March nor’easter this past winter.

Gov. Charlie Baker requested and secured a disaster declaration for six counties from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including Suffolk County. Businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals are now able to take out low-interest disaster relief loans provided by the federal government in order to repair damages done by the nor’easter on March 2-3, which caused more than $20 million worth of damage in Massachusetts.

Businesses and nonprofits are able to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace real estate, equipment, inventory and other assets. Interest rates as low as 3.58 percent are available for businesses and 2.5 percent for nonprofits.

Homeowners and renters can seek loans of up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed residences. Interest rates can be as low as 1.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.

For more information or to apply for relief, visit the U.S. Small Business Administration online, call the SBA’s customer service center at 800-659-2955.

 

Town Announces New Water and Sewer Rates

The Town of Winthrop will increase water and sewer rates by $3 per cubic foot beginning with the current billing cycle was announced by Winthrop officials.

The increase from $16.90 per cubic foot to $19.90 is the result of multiple factors, including a projected revenue deficit, an increase in fees from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and debt service on capital improvement projects and purchases.

 

Breakdown of Rate

Adjustment

$1 rate increase needed to offset a projected $479,000 deficit caused by a lack of rate increases in previous years.

57 cent increase comes from an increase in the MWRA assessment, which is a mandatory, direct cost to the Town of Winthrop.

92 cent increase comes from the repayment of debts on capital improvement projects, including projects in Winthrop Center and Winthrop Shore Drive.

26 cents to fulfill debt obligations on the purchase of a new dump truck

17 cents used to pay for increases in Water and Sewer Division costs including rising insurance rates and the rising cost of supplies over time

8 cents will fund a cost of living adjustment, resulting in a total of $38,000 in additional salary costs shared among all Water and Sewer Division employees.

Residents should expect to see the increase on their May 1 water and sewer bills.

 

Spring pedal May 20

Join Bike Winthrop riders for a “Spring Petal Pedal” on Sunday, May 20 at 4 p.m. at the Ingleside Park Gazebo. Celebrate Spring with a fun, family-friendly bike ride and picnic in the park. The event will start with flowers for bike decorating at the gazebo before leaving on a gentle under three mile group ride and finish with a BYO-picnic and pizza  to the tunes of DJ Cuzzi. All are welcome!

Kids riding solo must be comfortable with moderate inclines (ie. Pauline St)

More Info: www.facebook.com/BikeWinthrop or [email protected]

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