Plains Council to discuss possible water rate hike

A water rate hike may be on the horizon for Plains residents as the city prepares for infrastructure projects.

Mayor Chris Allen discussed the need to raise rates at the Feb. 2 council meeting. He noted that rates have not been raised for at least five years.

“Rates have not gone up since Covid hit … We all know how the cost of everything went up in those years. We never adjusted anything,” Allen said.

The city is planning for a future water tower to serve residents, which Allen estimated would be a $5 million project. He anticipates grant funding for most of the project but said the city will need to have some skin in the game.

“We have to have money to get it started. If we don’t have money in reserves, we’re in trouble,” he said.

Allen also mentioned service lines that need to be replaced.

“Going forward, there’s going to be more and more push to get this stuff done,” Allen said of lingering infrastructure needs.

Councilor Joel Banham said an upcoming public hearing will be held to take comment on what the water rate changes will look like.

“We’re trying to do that as gently as possible,” Banham said.

Also at the meeting, Harry Legg and Ron Robinson were appointed to the city Police Commission. Legg will serve a three-year term and Robinson a two-year term.

Gennifer Deschamps, John Dossett, Jonalie Comeau and Jim Plantenberg were appointed to the city Planning Board.

In the parks and recreation update, officials noted that playground equipment for children ages 6 months to 2 years has been selected for Greg Welty Memorial Park. The Plains Women’s Club donated money to purchase a sensory tower.

Two additional horses for the greenway were in the process of being sandblasted, and staff was hopeful four horses would be installed by Plains Day this year.