DIXFIELD — The Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to approve a 27 percent increase in sewer rates to cover operational costs, additional debt payments and future infrastructure.

Town Manager Carlo Puiia said the current rate for residents is $64.55 per quarter, with $55.30 going toward operations and $9.25 toward debt.

“The proposal is to increase the rate to $81.98 per quarter,” Puiia said. 

The issue of raising the rate first came up in 2012 and the board decided to wait.

Puiia said there would have been a 9 percent increase then.

“The rate would’ve been $74.75, but since the town didn’t raise the rates, the sewer has been running a deficit,” he said.

The town pays an annual assessment to the Rumford-Mexico Sewage District, which operates a treatment plant in Mexico. Dixfield’s sewage is pumped to the Mexico plant.

Puiia said a number of factors are driving the rate increase.

The town’s assessment to the district was $30,000 in 2011, he said. “Now, in 2016, that amount is up to $41,418. That’s a 38 percent increase.”

The cost of contracting with Ted Berry Co. of Livermore to maintain Dixfield’s pumping stations, sewer collection systems and fix any problems has increased from $63,576 to $80,459 per year, Puiia said.

Resident Dan McKay suggested officials look into having the Public Works Department provide maintenance to Dixfield’s sewer system.

Selectman Norman Mitchell agreed, adding that the board should have the discussion when the contract with Ted Berry Co. ends.

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