WATERVILLE — The City Council has given initial approval to Waterville’s proposed Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
The measure, which passed its first reading 7‑0 last week, has been in the works since early December amid ongoing debate over rent control.
The proposed ordinance, set for final discussion and approval at the next council meeting, aims to curb steep rent hikes in the city’s mobile home parks, considered among its most affordable housing.
Lot rental increases would be limited to once per 12-month period. If the hike is at or below the Social Security cost‑of‑living adjustment, no hearing would be required.
Any increase above the cost‑of‑living adjustment would automatically prompt a hearing before a five‑member committee.
Landlords would be responsible for notifying all residents of the proposed change and the date and time of the hearing. Landlords would also be required to provide proof to the committee that the information was shared as required.
The requirement is meant to ensure residents are aware of potential changes and can attend committee hearings to share their opinions.
“What these predators are doing to these people in these most affordable homes throughout the state (and) throughout the country — there are suits against them everywhere,” a park resident said at the meeting.
Councilors debated who would be allowed on the committee, but Mayor Michael Morris reminded them the vote was on the ordinance, not the nominations.
The committee is expected to have five members, nominated by the mayor and approved by the council.
The ordinance is set for a second and final reading at the next City Council meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20.
