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Great Salt Bay official tells Newcastle board hydrant-related charge will rise by about $19,000
Summary
Scott Abaton, superintendent of Great Salt Bay Sanitary District, told the Select Board that a change in the district’s fire‑protection calculation and rising treatment costs produced about a $19,000 increase apportioned to Newcastle; he explained PUC chapter 69 and the 30% fire‑protection target.
Scott Abaton, superintendent of the Great Salt Bay Sanitary District, told the Newcastle Select Board on April 14 that a hydrant‑related fire‑protection charge will increase the district’s bill to the town by roughly $19,000 for the coming year.
"You have 21 hydrants," Abaton said, correcting the board’s initial count. He explained that the Maine Public Utilities Commission guidance (PUC chapter 69) uses system sizing and a standard curve to set the percentage of a water utility’s revenue that is allocated to fire protection; the target in practice is about 30 percent of revenue for fire protection charges.
Abaton said the increase reflected several drivers, including sharply higher costs for treatment chemicals and other operating expenses, not simply additions of hydrants. "It’s not just delivery — it’s the whole delivery, everything," he said, noting dramatic price moves for disinfectants and related supplies since prior rate calculations.
Board members asked whether expansion would change allocations and whether federal or state policy changes on fluoride would affect the district. Abaton said expansion is usually funded by developers and that the district is subject to applicable state and federal drinking‑water rules; he also described a $2 million grant used previously to fund targeted extensions when public health concerns existed.
What this means for Newcastle: Abaton said Newcastle pays roughly one‑third of the district's fire‑protection share because of where infrastructure sits in the two towns. Town staff said they have budgeted to absorb part of the increase but will confirm final numbers for next year’s fiscal plan.
Next step: Abaton invited board members to tour district facilities; staff said they will follow up with detailed numbers and confirm how the charge will appear in the municipal budget.
