I live in the last house in Lewiston nearest Lisbon. My house is neither connected to city sewer, nor does my water runoff run upriver into the Lewiston sewage system. That is the same for many other residents in outlying areas.

Prior to April 21, I called Lewiston City Council President Renee Bernier regarding the fairness of the “rain tax.” She told me the choices were between the $30 for rain tax or paying about $90 more in real estate tax. She also told me that there could be no exceptions, everyone had to be included.

I have a son who lives in Augusta, and he does not have to pay a rain tax. In talking with Dale Glidden, general manager of the Augusta Water District, he stated that a rain tax has been in effect there for seven years, but said it would not be fair to tax people if they didn’t live near a catch basin or if they weren’t connected to the sewer system.

The Lewiston council also added street sweeping and cleaning culverts to hook every resident in on the “rain tax.”

Augusta did it without those who don’t contribute, because it was thought that would not be fair. What is so different about Lewiston?

The public should know how things work in the council chambers.

Bob Soucy, Lewiston