Mainely York Trailer Park airs concerns about cost for the project

Joseph said the cost of the new sewer is being divided between the sewer ratepayers and the tax base because of the scope of the project.

“Because of the size of the project, knowing that we can’t put all that on the backs of just grant funding and the people that live in the district,” Joseph said.

To help pay for the project, town officials are pursuing grants including one for between $2 million and $2.5 million from the Economic Development Administration. They also are counting on $250,000 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act that is in the control of the Selectboard.

Sewer Superintendent Phil Tucker said during the meeting the Sewer District

trustees were expected to vote this fall in favor of pursuing the $2.5 million bond to be paid off by ratepayers just to make sure the project continues forward in its process. The proposal still needs to be vetted by the Selectboard and Budget Committee before being placed on the ballot in May.

“We don’t want to stand in the way of this project, so very likely this board will vote yes,” Tucker said.

The Sewer District has had several requests from members of the Mainely York Trailer Park to reconsider approving the bond, though. Karen Lapierre said she and others in the park received notice that they would need to pay approximately $12,500 in yearly installments to help fund part of the Sewer District’s $2.5 million bond.

Members of the park will need to pay the amount regardless of whether they hook up to the system, according to Tucker. Hooking up to the system would be an entirely separate cost of $2,500 according to the letter received by ratepayers.

He said according to state statute, homes that benefit from the construction of new sewer can be “assessed” by the Sewer District and forced to contribute payment to defray the cost. He said that applies whether the home is connected to the system or not.

Tucker said they try to alleviate major costs by offering ratepayers up to 15year loans. Lapierre said that amount is still high for residents who only live in town for half the year and, despite paying taxes, do not vote.

“I can’t believe there is not a law (against) people having to pay for something that they don’t want or can’t afford,” Lapierre said.

Tucker said an answer to help people in the trailer park is not clear yet beyond the 15-year loans. He said besides the park, most people are in favor of the project. He said with members of the park included in a recent survey on the project, 45% were in favor. With them not included, he said the number in support was 70%.

“I hope that there’s something that can be done (for Mainely York Trailer Park),” Tucker said. “I just don’t know what it is.”