First Letter to the residences of Lisbon regarding the take over of Lisbon's Water Department

First letter to the residences of Lisbon:


I, William Bauer, find it necessary to approach the town’s residents with some simple clear-cut facts about The Lisbon Water Department and the attempt of the town to take over this department.  I have served you the people of Lisbon, in the capacity of Water Commissioner, for over 35 years with your best interest at heart, without a self-serving or political purpose in mind.   For your trust in me, I say Thank You!!

I am going to try to give the residents some facts through a series of presentations in this forum so that you may make a knowledgeable vote on Nov 6.   The sole purpose of the Lisbon Water Department is to be able to put all of our efforts into protecting your water and keeping you completely informed of any and all changes that might effect your water quality or efficiency.  We are capable of making mistakes and are far from being perfect.  We do however; attempt to make corrections and/or improvements in a timely and effective manor.  Case in point Mr. Adams and the Board are currently working on a new water tank and the replacement of the water line on Frost Hill Ave. 

I am all for operating as efficiently as possible and would vote for this takeover if I thought it would lower the water rates and save money, I believe it will not and could possibly increase the rates.  The facts are that out of 150 public and private water companies in the State of Maine there are 130 with higher water rates than Lisbon.  This information is available on the PUC web page although it has not been updated since last year.

On Tuesday, August 28 the Town Council held a workshop.  This was not a workshop with open dialogue between all parties concerned.   Mr. Wells and myself had to ask to speak.  The Council then took a straw vote to have a nonbinding question on the ballot Nov 6th to have the town take over the Lisbon Water Department.  This causes several questions and concerns for me.  This vote, if approved, will be the first step in turning all control over to the town.  The question will be placed on the ballot as a result of Councilor Bickford’s un-official survey.   The big push on his survey is trying to save money through combining of services.  Some of the councilors did say at the workshop that they were not sure if any money could be saved by the takeover of the Lisbon Water Department.  I made the suggestion that a small committee made up of 2 councilors, 2 members of the water board, and 3 residents, get together to solve some of the differences that appear to be problem areas.  I will add that as of October 1, 2012 more than a month later I have not received any contact about talking about any issues.

If the town vote is yes there are several steps that need to be taken.  The council will need to vote to have a State representatives, Councilor Crafts, or Senator Mason sponsor a bill to amend the Charter of the Lisbon Water Department to be run by the Town Council.  The Water Charter dates back to 1909.  There were some charter changes made in the mid ”50s” I will talk about those changes prior to the November 6 vote, as they are very important.

Every Town Manager since my Dad’s tenure has attempted to take over the Water Department.    This scares me on many levels.  One of which is the fact that it seems to be based on a political agenda and a personal vendetta rather than an honest attempt to improve the service to the residents.  I also believe that it is a way to pass additional municipal costs on to water customers.  I left the workshop that the Town called to discuss the takeover of the Water Department with feelings of dismay and confusion.

Questions: call me at home 353-2780 or cell 576-2438 office 353-3020 or better yet come to a water board meeting.  I will discuss other issues in my next letter. 

 William A. Bauer
 Chairman