Proposed sewer rate increase in Bucksport to be considered

Proposed increase follows a decade of flat sewer rates

June 3, 2026

By Staff

BUCKSPORT—Town officials will hold a public hearing on June 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the council chambers at the Town Office to consider proposed sewer rate adjustments scheduled to take effect July 1.

According to a press release, the proposed increase is part of a phased rate adjustment plan that began in July 2025 following ten years of flat sewer rates. At that time, the quarterly sewer rate increased to $198.90, the release said. Under the current proposal, the release said, the quarterly rate would increase to $255.60 beginning in July 2026.

These adjustments are “necessary to address rising operational expenses and ensure the long-term financial stability of the sewer system,” the release said. Despite rates remaining unchanged for a decade, costs associated with maintenance, energy, equipment, and regulatory compliance continued to increase, the release said, and it has created “a gap between revenues and the actual cost of operating the system.”

If approved, the proposed rate adjustment would help bring the sewer department to a “sustainable break-even point.” According to the release, an increase would allow the town to “properly maintain sewer infrastructure and continue reliable service without relying on other municipal resources.”

Residents are encouraged to attend the public hearing on July 11 and to provide feedback before final action is taken.

For more information, please visit https://www.bucksportmaine.gov/.