information regarding WATER & WASTEWATER RATE CHANGEs effective on or about june 1, 2024
There was a public hearing regarding proposed increases to the District's drinking water and wastewater rates on April 22, 2024 at 6:00 PM at Augusta City Center. If approved at the Board's May 20, 2024 meeting, these changes will take effect on or around June 1, 2024. While we take pride in keeping costs and rates stable, rising operating costs have made these increases essential to continue providing safe and reliable drinking water supplies, and effective wastewater collection and treatment, as detailed below.
Drinking Water & Fire Protection
The minimum monthly increase is $4.51. The typical customer will pay approximately $8.35 more per month. The increase applies to all customer classes, including public and private fire protection and private hydrants, and will generate additional revenue of approximately $1,049,000, which will help fund the following important work:
- Replace aging pumps, pipes and equipment
- Improve aging computer systems needed to operate the utility
- Increase operational resiliency by adding critical personnel
- Address the rising costs of supplies and energy
Public notice - direct mail
Wastewater
The minimum monthly increase is $4.33. The typical residential customer will pay approximately $12.13 more per month. The increase will generate additional revenue of approximately $1,190,000 which will help fund the following important work:
- Increased sludge disposal costs
- Replace old pump stations
- Replace aging wastewater plant equipment
- Address increasing power and supply costs
- Replace and reline failing pipes
- Increase operational resiliency
If you have any questions or want more information, contact Brian Tarbuck, General Manager, at (207) 622-3701, or email btarbuck@gaud.ws.
The table below shows notable dates assuming rates are approved for adjustment on May 20th.
|
Rate adjustment |
June 1, 2024 |
|
Start of new rates |
June 20, 2024 |
|
Customers receive bill for new rates |
August 9, 2024 |
|
Payment due on new rates |
September 4, 2024 |
The rates proposed below will go into effect on or about June 1, 2024 if approved by the Board. Stormwater rates are unchanged.
Sewer rates:
Service Charge (Cost/Month) $18.68
User Charge, per 100 Cubic Ft. $6.77
Unmetered Customers (Cost/Quarter) $177.83
YOUR CUSTOMER RIGHTS
Pursuant to 35-A MRS Section 6104, a customer has the right to request additional information relating to the present and proposed drinking water rates from the District, the right to an open and fair hearing, and the right to assistance from the Public Advocate.
We will post a copy of the drinking water rate filing submitted to the Public Utilities Commission once it has been submitted.
Customers also have the right to petition the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to suspend and investigate the District’s drinking water rates pursuant to 35-A MRS Section 310, if, on or before thirty (30) days following the public hearing, 15% of the District’s customers (5,631 customers x 15% = 845 customers), file with the District’s General Manager and with the PUC, c/o Administrative Director, 18 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0018, a petition or petitions demanding review by the PUC of the proposed rate changes. Signatures on the petitions filed pursuant to Section 7 are invalid unless accompanied by the printed names and addresses of the signers. Upon request, the District will provide drinking water customers with petition forms that include space for the signatures, printed names and addresses of the signers.