An Act to Repeal and Replace the Charter of the Yarmouth Water District
Sponsored By: Arthur Bell (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 5 mixed.
New Yarmouth area water district
The law repeals the old charter and creates the Yarmouth Water District for Yarmouth and North Yarmouth. The district supplies and protects drinking water for homes, farms, businesses, and towns. Voters in both towns must hold elections within two years. The charter takes full effect once a majority in each town approves.
Water rates, debt, and liens
You must pay uniform water rates set by the board under Maine law. Rates must cover operations and debt without extra town subsidies, and rate money can pay for operations, renewals, and interest when not bond‑funded. Trustees can borrow and issue bonds without a district‑wide vote, including to refund older debt. Each year the district must save 1%–4% of total debt in a sinking fund or have at least 1% of bonds mature each year. Unpaid bills can lead to a lien on your property and foreclosure under Maine law.
Water sources and build-out powers
The district can draw water from the Royal River and from springs, ponds, brooks, and aquifers in Yarmouth and North Yarmouth. Using sources in New Gloucester needs approval from a joint body with equal members from both sides. The district can build wells, plants, dams, and pipes, and must leave any dug way as safe as before. It can take land and water rights for public use but must pay damages; disputes follow the highway takings process. It cannot take another public utility’s operating property, and it must get consent to cross another utility’s property or ask the PUC to set terms. The district may receive state or federal grants to help fund these projects.
Service area and wholesale rules
The district cannot serve areas that another water utility already serves or is authorized to serve unless the Maine Public Utilities Commission agrees. The district can sell water to other utilities, including for resale, as allowed by the Commission.
How the water board runs
A five‑member board runs the district, with seats adjusted after each census to match each town’s share of metered services; each town keeps at least one seat. Trustees are elected by secret ballot under municipal rules; short vacancies under 15 months are filled by the town. Trustees pick officers, publish an annual report, follow open‑meeting laws, and the treasurer must be bonded. The board hires a general manager, who must present the full annual budget, including pay, for majority board approval. Trustees must live in the town they represent, cannot hold elected municipal office while serving, and face an 18‑month ban on paid district jobs after their term; post‑1986 part‑time trustees cannot join MainePERS from trustee service.
Water assets and tax status
The law confirms who owns the local water system. Yarmouth’s water assets vested in the district on March 22, 1923. North Yarmouth’s water assets transferred on August 7, 1990. The district takes over valid water‑supply contracts from Yarmouth and the former North Yarmouth Water District. The district is a quasi‑municipal body, and its property is exempt from property tax.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Arthur Bell
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Anne Graham
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPS Chapter 8
6/9/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/2/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/29/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-279) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-279), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
5/28/2025SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-279).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/27/2025HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY in concurrence
4/22/2025SenateCommittee on Energy, Utilities and Technology suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/22/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-279), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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