How Can We Not Afford A New Water Line?

At the October 20, 2009 Town Council meeting a gentleman asked why, after
each Municipal question, recommendations are added. On both questions, #1, A
bond in the amount up to $320,000 to add to our Trails system, and #2,
Issuance of general bond obligation for the purpose of funding new water
lines both the Town Council and Advisory Board recommend Yes. Note: the
complete bond articles can by found on the Town of Lisbon's website,
lisbonme.org, and on The Lisbon Reporter.

Mike Bowie responded that it has always been done that way, back to town
meetings when voting on articles. This is a recommendation only. People are
free to vote their conscience when in the privacy of the voting booth. I
would like to see added after each bond question, the impact the bond would
have on my taxes.

When asked about the impact to taxpayers on the water lines extension at the
aforementioned Town Council meeting, Mr. Bowie said there would be virtually
no impact to property taxes. The burden would be borne by water users. And
any rate increases have to be approved by the Public Utilities Commission.
(PUC).
This, the water lines extension, is sorely needed by the Town of Lisbon,
Lisbon Falls especially. A no vote would be foolhardy. The Town water supply
comes from wells in Lisbon, and there is only one water line from Lisbon to
Lisbon Falls, along Route 196. If anything should happen to that line Lisbon
Falls would have no water in a matter of only minutes. That would be
disastrous should there be a fire. Now is the time to do this, while the
State will be widening Route 9 and the Upland Road anyway, I cannot imagine
the cost savings to us. Wait until another time and it would cost us 4 - 5
times as much. And that is just an estimate.  A penny saved is a penny
earned, and we are talking thousands of dollars here my friends.
So, aparently no impact to property taxpayers. I would still have liked to
see it on my ballot.

Now, onto the Trails bond. The brochure available states "The tax impact
would be $0.83 per month for the average Lisbon home or $10.56 per year. I
would prefer if the Town would give us, on a ballot, the impact on property
taxes. Would it be one mil rate increase? one-half a mil, 3/4 of a mil, more
or less? I don't know about all property taxpayers, but my taxes are high
enough. I really cannot afford to pay more, even if for a well used trail.

Perhaps this could be added in future referendums?

And that is my opinion.
 
Dot Fitzgerald
A Lisbon Concerned Citizen