Council approves proposed water and storm‑water fee increases; residents voice sharp objections

The Lewiston City Council held a public hearing and voted on proposed changes to water rates and a storm‑water service fee for FY27.

Director Gier told the council the water district faced operating deficits — the agenda exhibit showed a $1.5 million deficit last year and a roughly $765,000 deficit in the most recent projection — and reminded the council that the last rate increase was implemented in 2021 (a 23% increase). “Our numbers are going up,” Gier said, citing aging cast‑iron mains and recent break repair costs. The council read the statutory notice required under Maine law (Title 3A §6104) explaining customers’ rights to petition the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to investigate rate changes.

Residents voiced frustration at the proposed increases. Crystal Ward described the timing and cumulative burden on households and said she could not support the proposal at current levels; another resident asked for modest, predictable annual increases rather than a single larger hike. The council voted 5–2 on the water rate policy action to forward the changes as proposed (subject to PUC review and the statutory petition window). The storm‑water fee amendment also passed 5–2, and the separate resolve appropriating the water, sewer and storm‑water budgets passed 6–1.

Director Gier and staff noted the district can file more frequent, smaller increases if the council prefers a proactive approach; they cautioned that each filing carries administrative and public‑notice costs. The water‑district figures and the council votes mean the proposed changes will move forward to the PUC process and residents were reminded of the petition right under state law.