Sewer rate hiking; first town vote on sewer plant move heads to Nov. 5 ballot

The Nov. 5 ballot vote on moving the sewer and public works facilities is the first of multiple town votes on this, according to Wiscasset Town Manager Dennis Simmons Aug. 6 as the selectboard put the question on the ballot. The same night, the board settled on a 4% sewer rate hike this fiscal year. Both votes ran 5-0.

In a letter last May, Maine Rural Water Association financial analyst Cathy Robinson recommended about a 10.25% rate hike. Aug. 6, Simmons said MRWA was figuring the whole budget would be spent. Historically, it has not been, he said.

He recommended a 4 or 5% hike, but said as little as 3% could be OK for this year. He urged against a zero increase, saying it could lead to a higher increase later.

Simmons said costs are up for everyone and the town is not immune, but Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent Robert Lalli “is doing really a pretty good job keeping a handle on the expenses down there.”




https://www.wiscassetnewspaper.com/article/sewer-rate-hiking-first-town-vote-sewer-plant-move-heads-nov-5-ballot/189872