Sewer expansion needed, says selectman

MACHIAS — Unless the sewer lines are expanded, sewer rates in Machias could skyrocket nearly 25 percent.

That was the prediction made Thursday by Edward Pellon, chairman of the board of selectmen, who said the town needed to consider ways to extend the lines and tie in additional users, even if outside funding is not available.

Machias Town Manager Christopher K. Loughlin told the board that sewer lines could be extended east on Route 1, west on Route 1, or north along Broadway-Route 192. In each case, the sewer line could be extended to the town lines.

The problem is the cost, which Loughlin estimated at $1 million regardless of in which direction the lines were extended.

“There’s no way the town can afford a million dollars, or even a quarter-million dollars,” Loughlin said. Town Clerk Martha Bagley said Machias “couldn’t afford $25,000. We’re just breaking even as it is now.”

Pellon appeared to favor extending the lines west along Route 1, from where they end near the Bluebird Motel, to beyond the P&M Trailer Park. Pellon owns a business in Machias near the Machias-Jonesboro town line west on Route 1.

“We need to pick up users,” said Pellon. “That’s the name of the game. If grants are not possible, then we may need to consider having home or business owners contribute (to the expansion) or some other program. We need to get something started.”

Further discussion focused on the possibility of having the town’s Public Works Department do some of the work. Pellon told one board member that use of the town crews would save the town money in getting the work done.

The brief discussion ended without formal action being taken by the board.