The town of Edgecomb and the Wiscasset Water District formalized an agreement Feb. 29 dating back six years. In 2010, the Wiscasset Water District amended its wastewater agreement with Edgecomb, but the new pact was never recorded.

On Feb. 29 that all changed. Following a public hearing, the Edgecomb selectmen voted 2-0 formalizing the agreement. In 2010, the two parties verbally changed the billing agreement. In 2006, Edgecomb originally agreed to pay $100 per year for two Davis Island customers. In 2010, the new rate requires Edgecomb to pay $500 per 20 connections. A $500 savings per 500 connections for Edgecomb, according to Wiscasset Water District Superintendent Chris Cossette.

“There is no record of us signing the agreement,” said Selectman Jack Sarmanian. “We have records showing it was verbally agreed to, but the paperwork was never signed.”

The new formal agreement renews each year. If a party withdraws, it must provide six months’ notice, according to Cossette.

Five residents attended the hearing. No one asked questions regarding the formalized agreement. But Spruce Ridge Road resident Jarryl Larson questioned whether the town assessed a surcharge to DavisIsland residents.

In November, she filed a Freedom of Access Act request for Davis Island sewer bills dating back six years. Larson alleges the town charged Davis Island customers a surcharge on their sewer bills.

Cossette, who also acts as Edgecomb’s wastewater billing agent, explained no Edgecomb customers were assessed a surcharge.

“The sewer in Edgecomb is a function of the town,” Cossette said. “The town department operates like any other, there is no surcharge. The water district charges for what comes in and what goes out.”

Cossette elaborated that the Wiscasset Water District treats Edgecomb as one customer. The WWD bills Edgecomb sewer customers, receives payments, reads meters, submits a monthly financial report and cuts a check each month to Edgecomb.

Cossette said the only charges Edgecomb sewer customers paid were for usage and maintenance of the system.

“Revenue is generated for operational expenses. It’s also for a stipend for the selectmen who serve as the department’s trustees, code enforcement officer or for paying administrative duties and equipment,” he said.

The board will forward the formalized agreement to the Wiscasset Water District after Selectman Jessica Chubbuck signs it.