From The Falmouth Enterprise, June 5, 2015, page 11, Selectmen’s Meeting Notes.
“Sewer Equivalent Units Set Standards for Betterments”
by Carrie L. Gentile
Selectmen agreed to using the sewer equivalent units (SEUs) standard when apportioning the betterment to residents of the Little Pond sewer project.
Public works director Raymond A. Jack explained to the board that one SEU typically convers a four-bedroom home using no more than 440 gallons of water per day. With a wide variety of residential and commercial properties included in the sewer project, Mr. Jack said it is important to assign each property the appropriate number of SEUs based on usage.
Each unit represents about $18,000 in betterment costs.
A public betterment hearing is stated for this summer that will include finalizing the overall project cost; the percentage of the project that will be borne by the residents; the length of repayment; and if any interest will be applied.
The estimated $41 million project that will connect close to 1,500 homes and businesses to town sewer will take place over the next two years. Town Meeting voted to recommend that 70 percent of the project will be paid by property owners. Assuming a 30-year interest free loan, this amounts to about $600 a year for the average home.
Falmouth resident Marc P. Finneran questioned how the town arrived at the 70/30 split, to which Mr. Jones said that would be addressed at the hearing as the board has the final say on the split.
Mr. Jack said hearing notices will be sent to property owners via certified mail once the date is selected.
If the project costs overrun the estimated use when setting the betterment, the overrun must be absorbed by the town.