AUBURN – The Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission approved the 2004 budget Thursday, two weeks ahead of schedule.

The 2004 budget is $259,150, with Auburn and Lewiston each contributing $129,575. It is up 2.23 percent from the 2003 budget of $253,500. Heather Hunter, the commission’s financial officer, said she projects a year-end surplus of $23,231. “We do anticipate a savings on the Auburn real estate taxes because the few properties we had as life estates are no longer life estates,” Hunter said.

Insurance costs increased slightly due to the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the possible risks for water utilities. Lake Auburn is the source of drinking water for both Auburn and Lewiston. “This year we had only one carrier that would carry us because of 9-11 and the water source,” Hunter told the commission.

In other business, Mary Jane Dillingham, water quality manager for both the Auburn Water District and Lewiston, told the commission that the boat launch will close Dec. 1. She said the dock was removed last week due to high winds.

The commission will next meet Feb. 26. The other meetings in 2004 were set for April 29, June 24, Aug. 26, Sept. 30, Nov. 18 and Dec. 2.

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