RANGELEY – Rob Welch ran for selectman on a pro-toilet platform.

The new facilities, in a gray building attached to the Chamber of Commerce offices downtown, made their debut this month 12 years after the idea was first studied.

“I finally got that. One of my highest agenda issues: ‘Get the toilets,'” said Welch, who’s running for another three-year term in June. He chalked up the delay to bickering and indecision.

Money was also a factor: To meet state codes, the modest pair of his and hers cost as much as a house.

A public flush is a fact of life for lots of tourist-heavy towns.

Bar Harbor has three and it’s been pondering a fourth for 12 years, Town Manager Dana Reed said.

He’s wondered how often they’re used and never known the answer.

“There are certain days it’s almost nonstop,” Reed said. Their loos have a legacy: Bar Harbor’s maintained at least one for 100 years.

It’s part of being a good host and leaving a good impression, said Town Manager Roberta Smith in Camden.

“You will certainly hear an awful lot of feedback if you do not have public restrooms,” echoed Thomas Woodin in Boothbay Harbor.

Rangeley’s facilities cost $190,000 to build, with the town picking up $30,000 and the rest coming from grants, Town Manager Perry Ellsworth said. Estimated cost is $10,000 to $12,000 a year to heat, supply and clean daily.

“It’s a real plus for the town,” he said.

Plans are afoot for another, up the road in Oquossoc, maybe even later this year.

“It took quite a while to get this one built,” said Ellsworth. “Hopefully people in Oquossoc, it won’t be such a battle.”

– Kathryn Skelton