Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-11-26
Water District to
Press Petition for
Higher Water Rates

The following is copy of a let
ter sent to Mayor Ernest +. Finni-
more by DR.. Frederick c. Thayer,
president of the kennebec Water
} District and is self explanatory:
Honorable Ernest +. Finnimorc,
Mayor of the City of Waterville.
Dear Sir:
At the request Of the city govern
ment, as per your communication of
March IA, 1921. the trustees of the
I<ennebec water district asked the
Public Utilities commission to post
pone the hearing ordered by them
relative to a proposed new schedule
of rates to become effective as of
April /, 1921.
The lapse of time and a thorough
review of the entire situation by eX-
perts in engineering. finance and
business only serve to intensity and
emphasize that which the trustees
already knew, viz: That a revenue
sufficient to meet present operating
expense, interest charges and depre-
citation as well as the making pro-
on absolutely necessary additions
and improvements long contemplated
and soon to become effective is not
only an expedience but an absolute
necessity.
The trustees are about to make an
application to the Public Utilities
commission for a restoration of the
rates operative prior to 1912 with
some slight variations. The pro-
posed new schedule will be found on
file with Public Utilities commission
at their office in Augusta. and at the
District Office, No. 20 Common street,
Waterville, and a copy of the same
is herewith forwarded to you for
your information and consideration.
In this connection the trustees
take this opportunity to remind the
city government and all users. as
we'll, that in 1912 the water rates
were substantially reduced because
of the conditions. Unfortunately. in
this accounting. we did not foresee
the war, nor other untoward condi-
tons which have arisen, neither did
we make calculations for the diso-
cations and disturbances which fol-
lowed in wars wake.
The largely increased cost of
operation, the necessary use of fuel
and electric power for pumping pur-
poses, the increased interest account
and amortization consequent to the
refunding of the distrists IL per
cent. bonds falling due in 1920 as
well as future increased interest
charges on contemplated improve
ments and additions make a larger
revenue for the immediate future i'm
perative.
The construction Of new dam on
the site of the old one with the in
stallation of new machinery adapted
to the more or less limited and ire
gular flow of the water because of
Interference at the Rice's Rips
power plant muct be forthcoming at
the earliest possible moment if we
are to continue a pumping expense
at a reasonable figure 1--WE are at the
present time using more than $11OO
worth of electric energy monthly
A new 16-inch pipe line from up
per Main street to the reservoir, one
and one-half miles in length, must
be laid as soon as possible at an es-
timated expense of $4,000 if the
community is to be adequately sup
piled with proper fire protection at
all times.
There is no method by which
these important, necessary condi-
tions can be met but by an increased
revenue, hence, the necessity of an
increase in the rate schedule.
(Signed)
Very Respectfully.
FREDERICK G. THAYER.
President Kennebec Water District.