DIXFIELD — Selectmen wrapped up their responsibilities with the recently signed contract for sewer service from Mexico, then began discussing a new water contract, also from Mexico.
When the board signed a new, three-year agreement with the Mexico Sewer District earlier this year, part of the requirements was to establish an administrative committee so that communications would be clearer between the sewer district and town. They were also asked to list so-called first responders in the event of a sewer emergency.
At Monday’s board meeting, selectmen Bettina Martin, Katherine Harvey and Norine Clarke were appointed to the Administrative Committee. They will meet with the Mexico Sewer District trustees board on Sept. 14.
Town Manager Eugene Skibitsky, Public Works Foreman David Phair, and engineer Ted Berry were named as first-responders.
The board also reviewed a proposed three-year contract with the Mexico Water District that calls for a 5 percent increase for each of the three years. The current contract, whereby Mexico water employees maintain Dixfield’s water system, expires at the end of the year.
Selectmen questioned the need for a 5 percent increase for each of the three years because they said the cost of living has not increased that much.
The town’s Water Advisory Committee also wants to meet to discuss the proposed contract.
Skibitsky plans to discuss the increase with Mexico water trustee Anne Young. Selectmen will then decide what steps to take in the negotiations.
In other matters on Monday, Skibitsky said the town received a $20,000 state grant earmarked for replacing two malfunctioning septic systems located on Broadway Street and at a home on Route 2.
The board accepted the grant, then decided to go out to bid for the work.
Skitbitsky also told the board that a portion of a 2.5-mile section of Route 2 that meets the Wilton town line will be paved. The Maine Department of Transportation will pay for the work, and Pike Industries will do it. A time frame for the work was not available, Skibitsky said.
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