FARMINGTON — Selectmen on Tuesday will act on the 2018 proposed budget for the Sewer Department. If approved, customers will see the first rate increase since 2010.

The budget of $968,043 is $13,205 less than last year, a reduction of 1.35 percent. 

Sewer administrative clerk Mavis Gensel said the rate increase is being requested because yearly consumption has been decreasing continuously.

“We lost money last year,” she said.

The proposed minimum bill, based on 500 cubic feet, would be $39.90 per quarter. The bill for 1,500 cubic feet would be $119.70 per quarter. That’s an increase of $10.41 per quarter over the rate of $109.29 established in 2013.

In 2010, sewer rates were $38.34 per 500 cubic feet, or $115.02 per 1,500 cubic feet. Sewer rates were reduced to $36.43 per 500 cubic feet in 2013.

Gensel said the rates decreased then because a $1 million, 20-year program to upgrade the treatment plant had expired and been paid off.  

Selectmen will also hear an update on the Farmington solar and Front Street reconstruction projects, and consider amendments to the Town of Farmington Personnel Policy.

Selectmen meet at 6:30 p.m. in their conference room on the first floor of the  Farmington Municipal Building, 153 Farmington Falls Road.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net