Staff Writer
HOULTON — Timing is everything and in order to do the job right, it’s got to be done now.
That was the sentiment being expressed to Houlton town councilors during their last session on June 9 in regard to extending the town’s sewer services farther down Bangor Street. Town Manager Doug Hazlett explained that although the project may be costly at first, the cost of not doing it while the Department of Transportation completes work on Bangor Street this summer would be high.
“Everything makes sense,” remarked Councilor Paul Romanelli. “We have an opportunity now and we’re going to go with it.”
The total cost of the project is $16,387 and Hazlett said there were enough funds available in the town’s coffers to pay for the project. The extension would go as far down Bangor Street to the town garage. Right now, businesses and residential homes are running on a separate septic system. With the addition of town septic services, the savings would benefit everyone.
“The last time we talked about this, the question was what would the cost be to hook up to it and that cost is fairly reasonable because it’s a bit simpler than we thought it would be,” explained Hazlett. “The cost would be around $2,000-$3,000 to run the line from the street. So when you put that together with the $16,000, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than a new septic.”
Hazlett said putting in a new septic system would cost far more than what the town is paying to extend the services.
Town councilors unanimously voted in favor of the project, allowing the town manager to withdraw the funds needed to complete the construction.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers.
