Davis Island residents were notified last week when a proposed two-tiered Wiscasset Water District rate increase would occur. And on May 3, Superintendent Chris Cossette explained why. Cossette met with Edgecomb selectmen about the proposed increase and discussed other issues floating around regional water issues. On July 1, Edgecomb (Davis Island) ratepayers will see a 19% rate increase which covers additional hydrant rental fees. Cossette reported the annual hydrant rental rate would increase to $1,954.31 or $234 more. In 2022, the second rate increase would bring the fee to $2,579. Davis Island is the only portion of Edgecomb the Wiscasset Water District serves. 

The district will hold a rate increase public hearing at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 25 in Wiscasset Community Center.

For ratepayers, the basic monthly user fee rate increases July 1 to $34.60, and $11.43 per additional 100 cubic feet. In 2022, the rate increases to $38.06 as the basic monthly user rate. Selectman Dawn Murray had concerns about double-digit increases in consecutive years. Cossette explained the rate increase is for meeting increased operating costs. He reported one rising cost as the assessment paid to the Public Utilities Commission. The district pays a $5,000 assessment to the PUC which has increased sharply in recent years. The district has a long-term contract with Bath Water District which includes a 7% annual rate increase. “Since 2017, the consumer price index has increased 17%. In that time, we’ve replaced $4 million of aged infrastructure. Our (PUC)  assessment is only  $5,000 but that represents a 500% increase from just a few years ago,” he said. 

Cossette also discussed the possibility of further expanding water services into Edgecomb. By law, Wiscasset Water District is only allowed to service Davis Island. Any further expansion into Edgecomb requires legislative approval. Cossette told selectmen he was open to discussing expansion for commercial locations on Route 27 or U.S. Route 1. “It took 14 months to expand to Davis Island so it’s about a year-long process. I would be willing to discuss any plans for expansion, ” Cossette said. 

In other action, Board Chairman Mike Smith reported the town had completed the second sale of a Lallis property parcel. Last year, Edgecomb sold five acres; this year, 32 more to the same buyer, Todd Plumber. “The sale is final, and Claudia (Coffin, town clerk) has deposited a $47,000 check. That is about $70,000 which is what Jack (Sarmanian) envisioned when we first proposed selling the land,” he said. Selectmen have sold nearly half of the 82-acre parcel. Municipal ordinances prohibit any future Lallis property subdivision sales for the next five years. 

Fire Chief Roy Potter is seeing a lot of “red” in his maintenance financial account. The department has exceeded it maintenance budget by $12,000. And with two more bills pending, that figure is likely to grow. Potter reported half of the $12,000 figure is derived from tanker repairs. The nearly $6,000 cost results from repairs to the tanker’s axle which also resulted in new back wheel brakes. Potter expects the overage to reach approximately $17,000 when he receives two more bills. No. 4 needs a pump test with total repair costs around $2,000 and No. 5 has another $5,000 in repairs, according to Potter.

But all the fire department’s economic news wasn’t bad. Potter reported the department received a $4,000 offer to buy one of its unused fire trucks. Selectmen authorized Potter to contact the potential buyer, who accepted the offer following the board meeting. 

Selectmen directed local Emergency Management Agency Director Bill Witzel to pursue unpaid insurance bills due to the fire department’s emergency responses. Town officials report outstanding unpaid insurance claims total $4,225. Edgecomb is working with a vendor who contacts people after insurance companies deny a claim. “They usually send three letters, so Bill keep on them,” Smith said. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, May 17 via Zoom conference.