Boothbay Harbor Sewer District Superintendent Chris Higgins said at a Nov. 19 public hearing, that when news broke about Boothbay Region Water District’s big rate increase, calls and emails poured in with concern about the effects people expect to see on their sewer bill as well.

But the concern is for naught, said Higgins, because the sewer district usually does a new assessment every year so any increases are gradual. He said this year’s final budget was up about 3.95 percent and the rate increase was around 3.305 percent. “The minimum rate went from $108.90 per quarter to $112.50 per quarter.”

There have been no changes since the budget’s third draft was approved at the last meeting, Higgins told district trustee chairman Deryl Kipp, who Skyped in from Arizona. The board unanimously approved the final budget and rates.

Other business

Higgins announced the Emery Lane Pump Station upgrade is coming along and he would soon meet with LincolnHealth Director of Operations Patrick Parson to further discuss the project. Higgins said AEC Engineering will be on site to discuss the new panels, and Stevens Electric of Monmouth will be doing the electric work.

The conduit has already been installed from the pole to the control panel, and Stevens Electric will talk with Central Maine Power about a date to get a transformer mounted on a pole so the firm can begin setting wire to the new panel, he said. However, Higgins said work can continue before the new pumps and panels are installed.

“That will upgrade the service from a single phase service to three-phase, 200 amps. That should give us plenty of future need should it arise,” said Higgins.

Kipp asked when the new pumps will arrive. Higgins said they are eight to 10 weeks out and he estimated installation will begin in late January or early February.

“The weather won't really be a big deal. If we have to, we'll put a tent up around the panel and heat it just like we did at Union Street.”

The Massachusetts Road Pump Station upgrade is coming along, Higgins reported. The panels are ready and the system is functioning properly, but digging will have to wait until the field freezes, he said.

"Next thing for us, if it's approved, will be the Route 96 replacement project … There's sewer there already, so it's just replacement.”

The district’s next meeting is at 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at the district’s main office.