If approved, changes would probably not
take place until
next June.
LISBON – Water Commission Chairman Bill Bauer said the Water Department is in the process of filing an application with the state Public Utilities Commission for a water rate increase.
In a lengthy report to selectmen this week, Bauer said if approved, the rate “probably won’t happen till next June” and would be implemented in “three tiers” by zones.
It would be the first rate increase since 1989. For many years, Lisbon’s water rates have been the lowest in the state. Bauer speculates that even with an increase, Lisbon’s rate will still be among the lowest five in the state. The rate now is $16.20 per 1,200 cubic feet.
In his update on other Water Department activities and plans, he said Wright-Pierce of Topsham has been hired to look for new water sources for the town, and the Water Department is working on a plan to install a water line under Route 196 at the Lewiston town line.
The line has to be put under the road in order to align with the Lewiston water line. This, he said, is an effort “to be ready” in case Lisbon ever has to tie into the Lewiston water system in an emergency situation or if the two systems are tied together at some future date. Bauer believes that some day Lisbon will be tied into Lewiston.
Bauer also said commissioners are looking into a “change in management” of the Water Department.
“We can no longer work with three part-time commissioners,” he told selectmen.
As proposed, the Water Commission would continue as an elected board, with a full-time manager/administrator to handle day-to-day operations. Any change would probably have to be approved by town meeting.
He said advertising for a manager could begin soon in anticipation of voter approval.
He also suggested to selectmen that the town should be looking into the feasibility of combining water and sewer services into a single water and sewer district, and to set up a committee to conduct a feasibility study.
Voters at the May town meeting will be asked to approve spending $30,000 to $40,000 for cleaning the Lisbon Falls standpipe and two wells in Lisbon village.
Work is progressing well on the Water Department garage on Ann Street. The $110,000 building is being built by Hebert Construction of Lewiston. The building will provide space to keep Water Department vehicles and bathroom facilities.
A new pressure regulation valve should improve water pressure on Highland, Frost Hill and Sunset Avenues, he noted.
Originally it had been planned to have a second floor on the garage for offices, but it is too costly now, Bauer said. The town appropriated $80,000 toward the cost of the building, and the remaining cost is being paid out of Water Department savings. It is anticipated the building will be completed by the first of the year.
Bauer also said a new water line has been installed under the Sabattus River Bridge and that the commission is considering running a new line over Route 9. Commissioners think this will be needed because of the elementary school being built on Mill Street in Lisbon Center, which is expected to spur new development in the area.
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