BHSD reviews 2026 fiscal budget, proposed 7% rate hike
BHSD trustees consider a 7% rate increase during their second budget workshop on Nov. 4. ISABELLE CURTIS/Boothbay Register
BHSD trustees consider a 7% rate increase during their second budget workshop on Nov. 4. ISABELLE CURTIS/Boothbay Register
Boothbay Harbor Sewer District (BHSD) trustees hosted their second workshop to determine the budget for the 2026 fiscal year and set user rates Nov. 4.
Trustees reviewed a draft based upon a 7% rate increase, which would set the budget for the year (with 100% depreciation included) at $2,292,668. This draft does not factor in the new debt the district will be taking on in 2027, with the rate revenue just covering depreciation, explained Operator-in-Charge Chris Higgins. BHSD previously considered a budget with a 9% increase, which accounted for the new debt.
According to a handout, if rates were increased by 7%, the average annual residential bill would be $859.23, or $1,098.38 for seasonal use. For businesses, average rates would be $2,885.50 and $4,677.48, respectively.
Trustees are also looking ahead to possible 7% rate increases for the 2027 and 2028 fiscal years as they are expecting new debt, and about $150,000 in lost revenue from Boothbay Region Water District (BRWD) due to its filter waste recycling project lessening its backwash water contribution to BHSD. No final decisions have been made on future rates.
In other business, BHSD accepted a “Memorandum of Understanding” between themselves, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (CMBG) and Boothbay Region YMCA (BRYMCA) for a sewer line extension from Wiscasset Road to Knickerbocker Road along Corey Lane and Barters Island Road in Boothbay. According to the memo, the project was estimated to cost $6,831,320 in 2024. The expected completion date is November 2028.
As previously reported in the Register, CMBG and BRYMCA will raise funds for the project and pay for all activities, including design, permitting, staff management, construction and legal work. The design will adhere to BHSD standards. Upon completion, BHSD will own the line and be responsible for its maintenance.
BHSD will also be accepting $307,000 from Maine Municipal Association as compensation for the garage damaged during a Feb. 10 fire. The district will be putting the money in a dedicated account for later use, as rebuilding the garage in its old location would interfere with its phase 1 construction projects.
