A public hearing is planned Friday morning in Ashland on a proposed water rate hike.
The Ashland Water & Sewer District has filed with the Maine Public Utilities Commission for a rate increase that would raise average water bills by $9 a month.
If approved by regulators, the new rates would start April 1.
The last rate adjustment took place in 2022, according to the district’s Jan. 20 letter of intent.
Financial pressures from system maintenance and water treatment costs, debt service and expenses prompted the requested increase, the letter stated.
“While the District has taken steps to manage expenses responsibly, existing revenues are no longer sufficient to fully support current operating and capital needs,” officials wrote, and added that the rate hike will support ongoing upkeep.
The proposal seeks a 50% increase for both residential and business customers. Water rates for those using 500 cubic feet or less will increase by $27.11 each quarter, or $9.03 a month, from $54.22 to $81.33.
Customers using more than 500 cubic feet will pay $6.48 for each additional 100 cubic feet used, up from $4.32.
The district anticipates 2026 revenue of approximately $230,000 — $155,000 from metered customers and $75,000 from fire protection water sales — according to documents filed with the PUC. It estimated expenses and debt service at $245,000.
The hearing is slated at 10 a.m. on Feb. 20 at the district office, 115 Portage Road, Ashland.
