Jay sets hearing on sewer rates

JAY — Selectpersons will hold a public hearing Monday, April 24, on sewer rates that are expected to rise in 2017-18.

The hearing is at 6 p.m. at the Town Office.

Selectpersons have been increasing the rates over several years so sewer fees will eventually cover the entire cost of the Sewer Department’s operation and maintenance budget.

During meetings on a proposed municipal budget earlier this year, selectpersons and the Budget Committee discussed raising sewer rates to offset the amount raised through general taxation. They settled on an additional $54,000.

The decision shifts more of the cost for the sewer expenses to the sewer users, Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere said Thursday.

Last year, the sewer fees covered approximately 77 percent of the sewer operating and maintenance of the sewer budget, she said.

“The additional $54,000 raised will push the percentage covered to approximately 88 percent,” LaFreniere said.

The remainder of the operating and maintenance budget and debt service is paid through general taxation.

The base rate rose $25 on July 1, 2016, to $275 for up to 3,200 cubic feet of water use. For any amount that exceeds the minimum use, the 8 cents per cubic foot fee will remain the same.

Once selectpersons decide what the new rate will be, it will go into effect July 1.