Glen Echo
Lake was a very large part of the Phase II Sewer project and GEIA
continues to follow developments with regard to the betterment
fees, user/usage fees, and grinder pumps. The
information presented below is what we currently know based on conversations
with the Charlton Water/Sewer Commissioners. New information will
be added as it becomes available. If you have specific questions,
you may email GEIA or
contact the Water/Sewer
Commissioners directly at (508) 248-4953.
Elderly
Abatement Package
Betterment
Fee
The betterment
fee has been set at $8,200 per edu which may be paid up front or
financed through a zero interest loan over 20 years. All Phase II
sewer residents should have received a letter in the mail detailing
payment options. If it was not returned by July 31, 2003, then it
will automatically be a 20 year zero interest loan.
The betterment
fee was originally estimated to be $6,500 per unit, which included
the schools. However, it has been determined that municipal buildings
are exempt from the betterment assessments.
User/Usage
Fees
Original estimate
for the usage fees was $300 per year. Current fees are based on
the number of bedrooms in your house and average out to about $65
per bedroom. The following excerpt was taken from a letter written
by the Sewer Commissioner's and dated May 1, 2002 explaing how the
user fees are calculated:
"The user
fee is computed by utilizing the Assessor's field cards (i.e., records
of your property) and following the requirements set forth by the
D.E.P. Chapter 5 sanitary code flow rates at $0.0065 per gallon.
Homes are calculated per bedroom, offices calculated by square feet
and restaurants are calculated by seating capacity." For additional
information, visit www.state.ma.us/dep/brp/wwm/t5pubs.htm.
GEIA has been
pushing for the installation of water meters as we don't feel that
charging per bedroom is fair and equitable (think of an empty nest-er
working full time and being charged for four bedrooms). The Water/Sewer
Commissioners do support the installation, but have not yet determined
when we will be able to use meters nor how to set the metered rates.
They expect to resolve this issue this year.
Grinder
Pumps
Sewer users
who were required to install grinder pumps were originally told
that the Town would maintain the pumps at no cost to the homeowner.
Now we are being told that the Town got permission to perform maintenance
or repairs on the grinder pumps, but can pass the actual costs associated
with those repairs or maintenance to the property owner. Please
make sure you ask about the costs up front.
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