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Hi, my name is Gail Isabel. I am 69 yrs. old and own a single-family residence on the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine, now known as the Loring Commerce Center. There are several other residents, along with some small businesses, that have made a comfortable life here.
That life & livelihood is being threatened by a 600% - 800% increase in our water /sewer bills by the Loring Water Authority (part of the Loring Development Authority, or LDA). The new rates became effective 10/1/24 (start of the 4th qtr billing period).
NONE of us were aware of the new rates until 10/8/24, when we received a letter and our "SAMPLE" 4th quarter 2024 billings in the mail.
Here are just a few examples of the change in our quarterly water/sewer bill amounts between the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2024:
3rd Qtr 2024 to 4th Qtr 2024 comparison:
$ 442. is now $2,695 for an Inn ***
132. is now $824. for a residence, 1 person **
110. is now $848. for a residence, 1 person *
165. is now $926. for a residence, 2 persons (exceeded 1,800 CF)
120. is now $848. for a residence, 1 person *
93. is now $848. for a small business, 2 persons *
These are not all of the residences & businesses here that are being affected, however, the increased dollars for the above alone, is over $5,000. Annually, over $20,000 in increased dollars! This is absolutely insane.
* MINIMUM QTRLY BILLING AMOUNT FOR WATER & SEWER - 1" METER W/ 0-1800
CUBIC FT QTRLY USAGE ALLOWANCE. (ANOTHER MINIMUM)
** MINIMUM QTRLY BILLING AMOUNT FOR WATER & SEWER - 3/4" METER W/ 0-1200
CUBIC FT QTRLY USAGE ALLOWANCE. (ANOTHER MINIMUM)
*** QTRLY WATER PORTION ONLY BILL AMOUNT FOR THE INN, WHICH HAS A 4" METER.
(THE MINIMUM IS $2,569.82 FOR 0-7200 CU FT)
Our battle against this rate increase started on 10/23/24 when we filed a 10-Person Complaint with the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). An investigation was subsequently opened, based in part on what the MPUC DESCRIBED AS "RATE SHOCK". The Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) is providing vital assistance!
As a prioritized agenda item, the MPUC has been seeking to establish temporary water rates to put in place going forward, before they proceed with their investigation. They are not going to backdate any rate relief to cover the 4th qtr billings we already received. The MPUC case docket # is 2024-00300.
On 2/13/24 we received "Payment Agreements" from the LDA outlining our payment amounts and due dates. It states in part, "If an applicant for service has not fulfilled the terms of this Agreement, the utility shall have the right to disconnect service..."
Three of the single-family residences, including mine, are occupied by a single female, 65 or older, retired & living on a fixed income. One is occupied by a single female (her son currently lives with her), 65 or older, retired & living on a fixed income. One is occupied as a rental by a single female, over 60, who is continuing her job at one of the small businesses. Another residence is occupied by a retired couple who closed on their mortgage 3 days before the notice arrived.
Efforts have been made to acquire financial assistance through various avenues. All we've heard is basically, "We don't offer assistance for water utilities". We're going to try to get relief through the local town of Limestone's General Assistance Fund.
Some of us have spoken and/or written to Governor Mills, various Senators and State Representatives. I even wrote a letter to the President! So far, no help for us.
Anyway, I could go on and on, ...but I won't.
We are praying for a miracle and hope you can find it in your heart to help my friends & neighbors.
Sincerely,
Gail D. Isabel
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Gail Isabel
Organizer
Limestone, ME