Edgecomb residents facing a possible increase in the town’s sewer rate can share their thoughts at a public hearing at the town office at 6 p.m. Dec. 2.

Selectmen’s Chair Jack Sarmanian announced the date Monday night. He said selectmen will set the new rates after the hearing.

According to Sarmanian, David Beauchamp of Ted Berry Company will attend as a resource for the public. Beauchamp is the municipal service group manager.  The company provides services for municipalities and businesses that use underground pipelines.

Town Clerk Claudia Coffin provided selectmen with a summary of wastewater billing and revenues for 2018-20. This prompted a question from Jim Lamson, a resident of Davis Island and a customer of the sewer district.

Lamson asked selectmen why Edgecomb residents were charged at the rate of $27.36 when Wiscasset users had only been charged $24 before the recent increase.  

Under the terms of a 2005 agreement between Edgecomb and Wiscasset, “Edgecomb shall also pay the same sewer user fees paid by Wiscasset residents.”  Another provision in the agreement, however, allows Edgecomb to charge its users fees “greater than those charged by Wiscasset.”

Lamson said a 14% increase was charged by Edgecomb over the previous Wiscasset rate of $24.00 per 300 cubic feet.  

Sarmanian explained that the town would be losing an average of $4 per month per customer if it did not increase its rates and added that since the billing rate increased in July there had been a deficit of almost $3,000.

Discussion followed concerning the amount needed in a maintenance fund established when the sewer pipe was installed. According to selectmen, the fund currently has $114,000.

Selectman Ted Hugger said the board is talking with Ted Berry Company to determine what amount should be kept in the fund. Sarmanian said the fund is used for regular maintenance of the pipe, including photographing, inspecting and clearing the line.

In an interview with Boothbay Register, Lamson said the additional amount charged to Edgecomb customers had been an “ongoing problem” since 2008, because customers had been unable to learn why a markup over the Wiscasset rate was necessary. “We have no control over it, and we need justification.” he said.

Lamson has owned property in the Sheepscot Harbor Village Resort and Condominium Association since 2008. “Let us be involved,” he said. “We just want to be treated fairly.”

In other business, Selectman Mike Smith reminded attendees about the town-wide meeting at 10 a.m. Dec. 7 at the school. The meeting is an opportunity for residents to identify and discuss key issues it may face in the coming years, he said. 

Topics include whether or not the town should have a town manager, how best to provide continuity, what to do about the tennis court grant and other matters affecting the town’s welfare and finances.   

Smith explained that the information from attendees will be used in the coming year’s budget process.

Selectmen approved a $645.82 expense for 2,000 town brochures to be printed by J.S. McCarthy. Smith also raised the possibility of using the Lallis property as a solar farm to generate revenue for the town.

EMA Director Bill Witzell reported finding a $40 per month data plan for a tablet that has been given to Edgecomb EMA to use in emergencies. Witzell also told selectmen Lincoln County residents will have immediate access to information about public emergencies via the Code Red capability. Notifications to residents will be provided by email, text, or phone at no cost.

Janet Blevins reported on a new National Digital Equity Center which will offer residents free computer classes. Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission is hosting. A variety of classes will be available through the federally funded program.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at the town office.