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Wiscasset Select Board approves higher unmetered sewer rate, sets school budget meeting and several warrants
Summary
On July 7 the Wiscasset Select Board unanimously approved raising the unmetered sewer billing rate to at least $800 per quarter to encourage meter conversion, set a July 23 school budget meeting and a Sept. 1 special ballot and town meeting, and approved multiple warrants, contracts and a $793,311 school revolving financing resolution in form.
The Wiscasset Select Board on July 7 unanimously approved a slate of routine and policy actions, including a proposed increase to the town's unmetered sewer billing rate and the scheduling of school and town votes.
The board voted 5-0-0 to increase the unmetered sewer billing rate from the current $446.16 per quarter to what Robert Lalli, superintendent of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, described as "at least $800 per quarter" as a punitive incentive for customers to accept new water meters provided at no cost. "All sewer customers must have a new water meter," Lalli said; the board closed the public hearing and approved the increase.
The meeting approved several calendar and warrant items: the School Budget Meeting was set for July 23, 2026, and the board approved placing FY'27 school warrant articles on the ballot as recommended by the Wiscasset School Committee; a Municipal Officers' Order was approved to place questions on a secret-ballot referendum for Sept. 1, 2026; and a Special Town Meeting warrant for Sept. 1 was approved.
Financial and property actions included approving, in form, a resolution titled "Resolution to Authorize $793,311 School Revolving Renovation Fund Financing," approving sewer abatement 384 for $227.56, and authorizing the Town Manager to execute the sale of tax-acquired property at 105 Sheepscot Road (Map R05, Lot 120), subject to Town Attorney review. The board also approved an Applicant Agreement to comply with the FY26 Clean Water Revolving Fund requirement and executed a Bill of Sale for a Brent Lindsey parcel (Map R04, Lot 010-A33).
Other votes included renewal of the liquor license for Shippshape II LLC (dba Seabasket) at 303 Bath Road and the board's ballots for the Legislative Policy Commission. All recorded motions passed by unanimous vote.
Votes at a glance - Sewer rate increase: motion to approve unmetered rate increase to at least $800/quarter; mover: Sarah Whitfield; outcome: passed 5-0-0. - Seabasket liquor license renewal (Shippshape II LLC): passed 5-0-0. - Set School Budget Meeting (July 23) and place FY'27 warrants on ballot: mover: Pam Dunning; passed 5-0-0. - Municipal Officers' Order to place questions on Sept. 1 secret-ballot referendum: mover: Pam Dunning; passed 5-0-0. - Special Town Meeting warrant for Sept. 1: mover: Pam Dunning; passed 5-0-0. - "Resolution to Authorize $793,311 School Revolving Renovation Fund Financing": mover: Sarah Whitfield; passed 5-0-0. - Sewer abatement 384, $227.56: mover: Sarah Whitfield; passed 5-0-0. - Sale of 105 Sheepscot Road (Map R05, Lot 120): mover: Sarah Whitfield; passed 5-0-0. - Applicant Agreement: FY26 Clean Water Revolving Fund: mover: Alissa Eason; passed 5-0-0. - Bill of Sale for Brent Lindsey (Map R04, Lot 010-A33): mover: Cassaundra Rose; passed 5-0-0. - Legislative Policy Commission ballots: motions to vote for candidates passed 5-0-0.
The board also discussed forming an ad hoc committee to guide public engagement around the proposed wastewater treatment plant relocation and heard an update on housing and business development from Economic Development Director Aaron Chrostowsky. The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
What happens next: The School Budget Meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026; the special ballot and town meeting are planned for Sept. 1, 2026. Details such as effective dates or administrative procedures for the sewer-rate change were not specified in the minutes and will be set by town staff as appropriate.
