City council interested in consolidation

AUBURN -- The city council is interested in changing the way residents of Auburn and surrounding towns receive sewer and water services. But there is still a way to go before any possible changes are made, members say.

Councilors unanimously passed a resolution Thursday authorizing city officials to work with nearby towns on consolidating Auburn's water and sewer system. According to the resolution, a state grant might be available to interested parties for a study on whether such a move is feasible.

Under the grant, which would be available through the state Local Government Efficiency Grant Program, each community involved in the study could be eligible for up to $200,000, according to the proposal. The final result of such efforts could lead to a water authority of which Auburn and surrounding towns are all part owners.