Water district elects trustee

MADAWASKA — Voters of the Madawaska Water District approved last year’s financial report and elected a trustee at their annual meeting Monday, Jan. 28, at the Madawaska Knights of Columbus Hall, said Treasurer Donald Chasse.

At a half-hour meeting, Chasse said, 18 voters approved the 1990 financial statement, which showed the Water District operated at a slight loss last year. Operating expenses in 1990 were $295,013, however, income fell short by $3,207.

He said the district’s user rates had not been increased since 1987, but that the Madawaska Water District may petition the Public Utilities Commission for a rate revision within the next two years because current user fees, while “within the ballpark,” are “not quite covering operating expenses.”

In annual elections, Water District voters re-elected Trustee Robert Lausier for another three-year term.

In other business, Madawaska resident Euclide Fongemie asked if the Water District had looked at sources of water other than the St. John River. He said he was worried about St. Agatha’s proposal to dump treated waste water in the river.

Water District Superintendent Real Cyr said the issue would be discussed by trustees, who will consider what can be done to stop that action.

Voters also asked questions about landscaping and overflow at the water tank on 7th Avenue. Cyr said the trustees would discuss those matters at their next meeting.

Ronald Pelletier was moderator for the meeting.