BETHEL — The owner of Bethel’s only public laundromat is asking the Select Board to consider allowing him a business incentive or discount on sewer service, saying his business actually saves the town money.

Michael Bean, owner of Bethel Laundramat at the corner of Main and Railroad streets, just across from the Bethel Wastewater Treatment Plant, said his laundromat pays 80% more for sewer services than laundromats in other towns — like Mexico where his other laundromat is located.

For the past five quarters, December 2023 through January 2025, Bean has paid the town $12,270 in sewer fees. He is asking the town to consider a business incentive or discount of between 5% and 17%, which he says reflects the water savings of his laundromat. According to documentation Bean provided from the Coin Laundry Association, water retained in clothes before drying results in a net savings for the town.

The Select Board put off making a decision on Bean’s request until their next meeting Aug. 6.

Asked why residential customers shouldn’t receive a discount for water retained in clothes from their own washing machines, Bean said it comes down to volume. “It’s about percentages. My percentage (of water usage) is much higher than the average homeowner.”

While his original less efficient top-loading machines have long-ago been replaced, Bean said his sewer bill has remained high regardless.

“I almost closed the place a few times,” he said. “Why am I staying open if I’m not profitable?

“It’s not just the cost of wastewater,” he added. “It’s also the cost of the machines.” He said he is still paying off two newer washers that cost $8,000 each. “It’s a lot of quarters to pay for that … I don’t think people realize how much it costs to run that place.”

Raising prices, he said, often drives customers away.

“Every time I raise the prices, I lose a few customers,” he said. “They head to Mexico, Norway, or to New Hampshire. They know by the time they pay the gas, the money, and the time, it’s costing them more. I’m sorry I have to go up in prices. But that’s what it is — everything has gone up.”

Community asset

Bean estimates that 60% of his customers are regular locals. The rest is made up of tourists and others in need because the power went out; their home washer or dryer isn’t working; or they can’t fit a comforter or other large item in their home machine. He said he has helped Sunday River Ski Resort when they have lost their water a few times.

Bean says the laundromat is an asset to the community.

As the owner of a laundromat, Bean said you don’t make a lot of money. Since buying the laundromat in 1998, Bean and his wife have invested in the business, supplementing it with income from their full-time jobs — hers as a hairstylist and his as a pipefitter.

“We wouldn’t have made it if we didn’t take the money we made somewhere else and put it into that place,” he said. You should have seen it when we bought it. I can’t believe how stupid I was to buy it … it’s crazy how much money we put into that place over the years. Then the sewer bill started going up … it’s really been tough. We’ve done the best we could.”

Bean said the rising sewer costs started after the installation of the town’s new large capacity sewer system in June 1990. A proposed condominium fell through at that time, as did some other proposed projects. The 38-unit condo project finally got underway in June. While the town’s approximately 555 wastewater users are directly responsible for individual waste water cost, all of Bethel’s taxpayers have been footing the hefty cost of upgrades to the treatment plant since 1990.

Bean said he has received three offers from buyers who want the property. One expressed interest in keeping it as a laundromat. If sewer costs were lower, he believes it might provide an incentive to preserve the business’s function.

Behind the scenes, the laundromat requires much maintenance, he said. Dryers are cleaned every six months to prevent fires. Customers often misuse the machines — overloading them or washing items like underwire bras that damage the drains.

Still, he appreciates those who treat the space with respect.

“While they’re waiting for their laundry, they sweep up what another person has discarded, like dryer sheets,” Bean said.

On a recent Tuesday, three customers were using the machines at the laundromat. A woman from North Carolina said she “doesn’t have a toe in the water,” since she is not local, but noted “it’s obvious that some water evaporates into the air from the dryer.” Customer Maria Howell said her 1928 Greenwood cottage cannot accommodate a washer and dryer. “We rely on this place,” said Howell.

Lucas Curtis, who recently moved to Bethel and walks to the laundromat, said, “I’d be pretty bummed if it closed. I definitely rely on (Bethel Laundramat).” Curtis added that he thinks Bean’s water evaporation case makes sense and hopes he receives the discount and stays open.

Now 71 and recovering from surgery, Bean said he’s “too old” to handle major repairs. “It’s $250 for the repairman just to come to the door.” He credits staff like Pam Buck for helping to keep the business running.

“It’s a struggle. I never was one to give up,” Bean said. “But the older you get, you can’t just take money out of your pocket to keep things running. I’ve always believed in taking care of yourself. Don’t ask the state, don’t ask the government to help. But it comes to a point when it makes sense if they can help you keep going.”

He hopes the Select Board will consider his request seriously.

“Getting something from the town is better than getting nothing,” he said. “Even five to 17 percent could help.”