MADISON — Anson and Madison have separate water districts, even though they share the same water source and treatment plant.

That may change after the Nov. 8 election if residents of both towns vote to join the Anson and Madison water districts into a new entity: the Anson and Madison Water District.

It’s a proposal some officials say will save a yearly $110,000 for about 700 Anson users and 1,100 Madison users. The savings come from cutting positions and eliminating duplicate transactions, equipment, offices and insurance.

Some people, however, say the merger would give up home-rule decision making and that there’s no assurance rates will stay low in the long-term.

A small group of residents gathered for a public hearing Thursday evening at the Old Point Avenue facility to discuss the proposed merger. It was the final of three public hearings held over the last three weeks in Anson and Madison.

At the meeting, Kirsten Hebert, deputy executive director of the Maine Rural Water Association, said Anson and Madison’s situation is unique.

In addition to a shared source and treatment plant, the two water districts have jointly held investments and share some of the same water lines.

“You are the only entity like this in the state of Maine,” she said.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency, however, requires that a treatment plant can only be associated with one public water system, she said.

By joining together, though, “You’re going to have increased efficiency, reduced operating costs, reduced minimum charge,” she said. “You’re going to have better coordination.”

A standard Anson ratepayer would save about $42 a year, decreasing the bill from $332 to about $290, according to information provided by the merger committee.

A standard Madison ratepayer would save about $25 a year, decreasing the bill from $315 to $290.

The numbers are based on usage of 4,800 cubic feet of water per year. The quasi-municipal water districts are not funded by tax dollars but by customer payments.

Two positions in Anson have already been cut, and one more would be eliminated, said Mike Corson, superintendent of the Madison Water District.

The Anson Water District has $2.6 million in outstanding debt and Madison Water District has about $3.3 million. The merged water district would be responsible for the total debt amount of $5.9 million, Hebert said.

About 95 percent of pipes in Anson are new, said Anson Water District Superintendent Arthur Morse. Between 85 and 90 percent of pipes in Madison are new, Corson said.

Morse said the main line, which both water districts share, is in need of the most work. It was installed in 1948.

The merger would create a new governing body. Instead of two boards, there would be one overseeing board with four Madison members and three Anson members.

Decisions would require a majority vote from each town. That means if Madison members approve of a measure, but Anson members do not, the measure would fail.

Residents of each town will have final say on whether a merger happens. Polls at the Anson and Madison town offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Erin Rhoda — 612-2368

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