DIXFIELD — Homeowners will likely face a 20 percent hike in sewer charges beginning in October, after information presented by the town’s auditor, Ron Smith, at Monday’s selectmen’s meeting.

A public hearing on the proposed increase was set for 5 p.m. Sept. 17 in the community room of Dirigo High School.

Smith, who conducts annual audits for the town’s sewer, water and municipal books, said the current sewer rates are unable to provide for a reserve account. The department also owes the town about $50,000.

The current rate is $62.33 per unit per quarter; the proposed rate is $74.75.

“You’re not raising enough to support the debt service. Your ordinance allows you to charge for operating and maintenance, and debt service,” he said. “The current rate doesn’t come close to covering the charges.”

Board Chairman Mac Gill said a reserve account is needed.

“One large pump is extremely expensive if it should go,” he said.

Rates have not increased for either water or sewer since 2008.

Smith said the new rates should likely be enough for the next three or four years.

The board also heard concerns from resident Liz Kelly who wants a fireworks ordinance.

“Either for no fireworks or just for July 4^th and maybe New Year’s,” she said. “Thirty-seven towns have voted not to have them at all.”

She said exploding fireworks in her neighborhood across Weld Street from Dirigo Middle School have been frequent many afternoons and nights.

“A lot of people have had a lot of problems with it. Fireworks scare animals and can cause fires,” she said.

Dixfield police Chief Richard Pickett said his department has responded to eight fireworks complaints, mostly in July, from June 1 to Aug. 27. He said police treat such complaints the same as noise complaints.

“We tell people to calm it down. If a second complaint, we can arrest for disorderly conduct,” he said.

Kelly said firecrackers have been thrown from vehicles and some have been set off near the middle school.

She was advised to put a petition together outlining the type of restrictions she’d like to see. About 130 valid signatures are required to put a question before voters.

If the petition is successful, a public hearing would be held, then a vote on whether to enact a fireworks ordinance would take place.