LISBON – One day after a public hearing on a proposed 50.19 percent water rate increase, two citizen-initiated petitions opposing it were turned in and others are being circulated.
The petitions ask that the Maine Public Utilities Commission review the proposed increase and “suspend and investigate” the Lisbon Water Department.
Water Department Manager Paul Adams said the PUC could “put a delay” on the implementation of the new rate being sought or could allow an “interim increase.” Some money is needed soon, Adams said, explaining that the Water Department “has to make payments on debt service.”
Lisbon’s rate, even with the increase, will still be lower than 20 other water departments in communities of similar size, Adams pointed out.
The community with the ext-lowest rate is Yarmouth, with just under 3,000 customers, at $39.68 per 2,000 cubic feet per quarter.
Lisbon’s current rate is $22 per 1,200 cubic feet used per quarter. It would go to $33 under the new rate.
The average Lisbon household now pays $28.40 per quarter, which would go up to $41 per quarter under the proposed rate, Adams said.
Blank petitions are available at the town office and the Water Department office and must be filed with Lisbon Town treasurer and the Public Utilities Commission on or before Sept. 1.
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