To the Editor:
Damariscotta, Newcastle, and Nobleboro voters will decide the outcome of an important referendum question this November. The voters in these three towns will consider expanding the territory of Great Salt Bay Sanitary District (GSBSD) to include the entire area of Nobleboro. (GSBSD currently serves only the “Mills” section of Nobleboro).
I have received a number of calls asking me what this referendum is about. I thought I would share my list of “frequently asked questions” in case there are other voters who are still weighing the decision.
• Does a yes vote mean GSBSD will run sewer and water lines throughout Nobleboro at the expense of the existing users? No, the Trustees are adamant that GSBSD does not build sewer and water line extensions anywhere in the District and this would include Nobleboro as well, if the referendum passes. The Trustees feel line extensions should be funded by the development that is in need of those services, not by the current sewer and water customers.
• So who actually benefits by the approval of this referendum? The administration of the Town of Nobleboro voter list and the election of a Trustee on the GSBSD Board will be greatly simplified. At present, Nobleboro keeps a separate voter list for the “Mills” section of Town and the Trustee must reside in that section only. The current GSBSD customers will not be affected by the passage of this referendum.
• Will representation of the three Towns on the GSBSD Board of Trustees change? NO, representation will continue as it is now: Damariscotta has 3 Trustees, Newcastle has 2 Trustees, and Nobleboro has 1 Trustee. The change is that the Nobleboro Trustee can now reside in any part of the Town and all Nobleboro voters (not just the “Mills” voters) will decide the Trustee position.
If voters have further questions they may call the Town Clerk of Nobleboro 563-8816, or me 563-5105.
Mary Bowers, Superintendent GSBSD, Damariscotta
