An Act Increasing the Debt Limit of the West Paris Water District
Maine Legislature, Session 132, LD 2243
Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
Sponsors: MARTIN

Legislative Document
No. 2243
S.P. 921
In Senate, April 6, 2026
An Act Increasing the Debt Limit of the West Paris Water District
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology suggested and ordered 
printed.
DAREK M. GRANT
Secretary of the Senate
Presented by Senator MARTIN of Oxford.  (GOVERNOR'S BILL)
Emergency preamble.  Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, the West Paris Water District is under an administrative order from the 
Maine drinking water program to replace a water storage tank by December 31, 2027; and
Whereas, the needed funds exceed the current borrowing capacity of the district; and
Whereas, the district needs an immediate increase in its borrowing authority in order 
to timely schedule the needed improvements; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  P&SL 1963, c. 83, §10, first ¶, as amended by P&SL 1995, c. 8, §1, is 
further amended to read:
Sec. 10. Authorized to borrow money, to issue bonds and notes.  For 
accomplishing the purposes of this act, and for such other expenses as may be necessary 
for the carrying out of these purposes, the district, through its trustees, without vote of the 
inhabitants, is authorized to borrow money temporarily and to issue therefor its negotiable 
notes; and for the purpose of renewing and refunding the indebtedness so created, of paying 
any necessary expenses and liabilities incurred under the provisions of this act, including 
organizational and other necessary expenses and liabilities whether incurred by the district 
or the Town of West Paris, the district being authorized to reimburse the Town of West 
Paris for any such expense incurred by it and in acquiring properties, paying damages, 
laying pipes, mains, aqueducts and conduits, constructing, maintaining and operating a 
water plant or system and making renewals, additions, extensions and improvements to the 
same and to cover interest payments during the period of construction, the district, through 
its trustees, without the vote of its inhabitants, is also authorized to issue, from time to time, 
bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness of the district in one series, or in separate 
series, in such amount or amounts, bearing interest at such rate or rates, and having such 
terms and provisions as the trustees determine; provided except that the total outstanding 
indebtedness of the district may not exceed $1,000,000 $8,000,000 at any one time.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation 
takes effect when approved.
SUMMARY
This bill increases the borrowing limit of the West Paris Water District from 
$1,000,000 to $8,000,000.