Sewer Rate Increase

By now most readers will have heard that the sewer rates will be increased by ordinance. The process of a rate increase will take place over the next 45 or so days. This assumes of course that the Public Service Commission formally approves the rate increase.

I attended a meeting last Friday afternoon at city hall where members of the Waste and Wastewater Staff of the Public Service Commission presented a report to the sanitary board members. The report provides the technical and statistical information supporting the proposed rate increases. The report findings were based on audits of the sanitary board of not only the financial condition of the utilit,y but also audits of the performance of the plant with respect to maintenance, capital improvements and personnel. Our waste water facility received positive recommendations and comments in the report findings. Hats off the Sam Ludlow and his staff.

I learned during the presentation, that our facility does have a contingency fund in case of an emergency repair. I believe I'm correct in saying emergencies are handles out of the approved operating budget. I also learned that a financially healthy utility systems enhance our city's ability to attract new business and receive favorable ratings from financial institutions.

In order to work toward developing a contingency fund and maintaining a sound financial foundation, future rate adjustments will be necessary. Waste and wastewater management is a basic service that needs adequate funding with a fair rate structure. From what I've seen, our city is doing a job with respect to basic utilities.