Oakland board locks sanitation rate, approves local electrical inspections and sets $7M sewer fund

The Town of Oakland Board of Aldermen on a special-call agenda approved a package of measures that officials said will stabilize sanitation billing, create a local electrical inspection program and make funds available for a wastewater project.

The board passed ordinance 25-12 to lock in sanitation rates for three years. Mr. Ellis said the ordinance ‘‘locks it in for a 3 year period’’ and noted the new rate is ‘‘$2 cheaper than the current rate.’’ No members of the public spoke in the hearing before the vote.

Council also adopted resolution 25-43, which establishes an electrical permit fee schedule the town can use if it is approved by the state to perform inspections locally. Building official McDonald explained the proposed fee structure: a $25 processing fee and a $150 inspection charge that ‘‘covers that entire permit.’’ He told the board the town would keep processing fees while a subcontractor performs field inspections.

Following that vote, the board passed resolution 25-44 to execute an agreement with the town’s electrical inspector. During discussion the council noted contract terms that include a $150-per-permit charge, a $35 reinspection fee and provisions that other inspections be paid at 85 percent of the inspection base fee, leaving roughly 15 percent to the town.

Finally, the aldermen approved resolution 25-45 to establish a special fund at First Citizens Bank for the Town of Oakland Water and Sewer Loan Project Fund. Mr. Ellis said the town will transfer roughly $7,000,000 from a matured CD into that account to pay remaining costs of a wastewater treatment plant expansion that is nearing completion.

All three measures were moved, seconded and passed during the meeting. The town manager said postcards and online notices will inform residents of sanitation changes and the new contractor’s route adjustments; the sanitation contract begins January 5.