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Notice of Changes
to Your Quarterly Bill
What:
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An
increase of up to 80% to the Sewer Portion of your
quarterly bill.
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The Board
of Commissioners developed the following two-stage
implementation plan on December 6 after debate at
three public meetings:
o First half (approximate 40% increase) implemented April 1, 2012 (July
2012 bill).
o Second half (approximately 40% increase) implemented April 1, 2014 (July
2014 bill).
o These pricing changes will only affect the “Sewer” line on your
quarterly bill.
Why:
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In 2005, new state
and federal regulations were adopted limiting the amount
of nitrogen and phosphorus allowed in treated
wastewater.
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In 2006,
the Town received a $50,000 grant to perform a study to
evaluate whether or not the current plant could be
upgraded to meet the requirements. It was
determined that the current plant could not be upgraded
and that a new plant would have to be built to
accommodate the regulations. Since that time, the
Town has been moving toward the design and building of a
new plant.
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Through
September 30, 2011, $1.3 million dollars has been spent
in the study and design of the new plant.
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The new
wastewater treatment plant will be built at the same
location as our current plant.
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Project
cost is $20 million.
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Approximately 75% of the cost is to be funded by state
and federal grants.
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The remaining 25% must be paid for
by those who use the system.
How:
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A 40%
increase beginning April 1, 2012 to cover design and
construction costs.
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A 40%
increase beginning April 1, 2014 (when the new plant
starts operation) to cover the higher operating
costs (the new plant will use more electricity and
chemicals to clean the wastewater to the higher
standards) and to cover the higher depreciation
costs of all the new equipment.
Things to Know:
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Only the “Sewer” line on your quarterly
bill will be affected.
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Your “Total
Due” will not increase by “40%” as a result of
this change.
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A
Public Information Meeting will be held February
16 at 7:30pm at the Town Office
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A
Public Hearing will be held at the February 20
Town Meeting for final consideration of the changes
to the town’s ordinances regarding sewer service
billing.
Respectfully,
Donald
Briggs, Mayor
Christopher Staiger, President, Board of Commissioners
Clifford Sweeney, Vice President, Board of
Commissioners
Glenn Blanchard, Treasurer, Board of Commissioners
Timothy O’Donnell, Commissioner
Patrick Joy, Commissioner
David Haller, Town Manager
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