By Ashley McLeod, Staff Writer
Oct 21, 2014, 15:32
PRINCE GEORGE — On November 1, Prince George residents will notice a change in their utility bill following approval by the Board of Supervisors for an adjustment in water and sewage fees.
At the October 14 meeting, the board held a public hearing for the proposed hike in fees and voted to pass the ordinance.
In July of this year, the Department of Engineering and Utilities partnered with Carl Brown Consulting, LLC to complete a water and sewer rate analysis determining the appropriate rate increase which would cover current costs, and predicted costs for the next ten years. The last rate study for sewage and water fees was completed in 1997.
County Administrator Percy Ashcraft said the extra capital from the increase in fees will not be used on administration or salaries, but for the customers.
“We’re going to put the money back in to make sure the customers have the best service they can,” said Ashcraft.
The increase will also help to fund repairs and renovations to equipment and water lines.
The increased rate will allow for an extra $85,000 in annual revenue from water charges and $550,000 from sewer charges.
According to the ordinance, the change in water charges for average usage will increase by $7.35, and the average change in the sewer will be $29.64. These fees are charged bi-monthly, and these numbers are based on an average of 10,000 gallons per two month period.
Fees for water and sewer increased in 2001, and have increased slightly since for accounts with a larger usage amount.
