September 5, 2012

Trial starts over Hallowell sewer rates

By Betty Adams

AUGUSTA -- A trial started Wednesday in a case where Hallowell residents say they are being charged too much for sewer services from the Greater Augusta Utility District.

More than a dozen people watched as Dennis Kinney, superintendent of the Hallowell Water District, described the history of rate-setting and the rates in dispute.

Justice Nancy Mills is presiding in the non-jury trial in Kennebec County Superior Court and will ultimately issued a decision. Testimony is expected to last two days.

At dispute is the percentage of costs for treatment allocated between sewer and stormwater customers, Kinney testified. The new, disputed rates went into effect last October.

Attorney William Harwood represents Hallowell Citizens for Fair Sewer Rates, the plaintiffs.

The defendant, the Greater Augusta Utility District, is represented by Michael Hodgins.

At the start of the trial this morning, Hodgins objected to the inclusion of new evidence that was not considered by the trustees of the Greater Augusta Utility District.

 

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