Norway resident Dave Cox, who had a car run into his house on Waterford Road on Tuesday, discusses his concerns about speeding in the area Thursday during the Select Board meeting. Evan W. Houk/Advertiser Democrat

NORWAY — The Select Board approved the Norway Wastewater Department’s budget and an increase in base rates during its regular meeting Thursday.

“Everything seems to be going up, as we all know. Power, insurance, labor, chemicals, seems to be going up,” Wastewater Department Superintendent Shawn Brown said.

Brown noted that even with the increase, wastewater rates in Norway are lower than nearly anywhere else in the state.

The base rate for Norway and Oxford customers will jump by 13.5%. Rates in Norway will increase from $32.58 to $37 per unit. Rates for customers in Oxford will go up from $45.64 to $51.80 per unit.

These rates are only base rates and do not include consumption, Brown said. The usage rate will remain unchanged at $4.52 per 100 cubic feet of wastewater.

“Our system’s fair, because the people that use the most, pay the most,” he said.

The Wastewater Department budget for fiscal year 2024-25 totals $628,883, an increase of $34,753, or 5.8%. The budget includes an increase of $10,000 in the capital improvements line item for a total of $140,000 to pay for various projects the department is working on.

Public comment and discussion concerning speeding in town and options for traffic control measures were a large focus for the remainder of the meeting.

Resident Dave Cox started the discussion by explaining that he owns the house that a car ran into Tuesday.

“There’s a chronic speeding problem up by Pawsibilities that needs to be addressed,” Cox said. “I have people passing me on a double yellow line when I try to enter my own driveway.”

Three other residents who live nearby cited similar concerns and asked for an increase in police presence in the area. All the neighbors expressed grave concern that someone may be hit and killed if the speeding issue is not addressed.

The Select Board and interim Town Manager and police Chief Jeffrey Campbell assured the residents their concerns have been heard.

Campbell said he can encourage his officers to increase focus on speeders in the area of state Route 118/Waterford Road, although he noted that it is illegal by state law to issue quotas or mandate ticket-writing at certain speeds.

“Speed is a chronic problem not just in that location, but throughout town,” Campbell said.

The board also discussed a few temporary and permanent traffic calming measures, like speed humps and speed cushions.

Campbell said he is waiting to receive feedback on the availability and durability of the devices from other towns and will report back to the Select Board.

The board also granted approval for Western Foothills Land Trust to hold the Norway Triathlon on July 13 and waived the outdoor festival fee, signed off on a liquor license for Amato’s, and approved a new street vendor permit for Andrew Lutin and his mobile hot dog cart, the Doghaus, at 339 Main St.

Norway’s annual town meeting is scheduled to be held at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School at 7 p.m. June 17. The Select Board plans to meet next at town office at 7 p.m. June 20.