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Councilors briefed on Monongalia Utility Board timeline to assume Star City and Westover services
Summary
Council received a timeline report on planned transfers of stormwater, sewer and water operations from Star City and Westover to the Monongalia Utility Board (MUB). Board approval is expected in June, state Public Service Commission review could take up to six months, and council acceptance of transfers and rate approvals is likely in late fall.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — During council reports on May 20, members outlined a timeline for the Monongalia Utility Board (MUB) to assume stormwater, sewer and water systems currently operated by Star City and by Westover.
Councilors said the expected process begins with MUB board consideration, likely in June. If the MUB board approves, the transfer of ownership would then go to the West Virginia Public Service Commission for regulatory approval, a process officials said could take up to six months. If the PSC grants approval, the council would then be asked to accept the acquisitions and the existing rates established by Star City and Westover; officials expect that process to return to council in late fall.
Council materials explained the two projects differ. Star City’s utilities would be transferred after MUB board approval and PSC action; Westover must complete infrastructure upgrades — including water and sewer work on Holland Avenue and a new lift station near the Westover Bridge — before bond debt from those projects would be assumed by MUB and presented to council for acceptance. Officials said the rates for those services were negotiated with MUB as part of the transfer and would be set to cover the respective projects’ costs.
A council member asked whether the transfers would affect Morgantown’s rates; a councilor responded that the negotiated rates are structured to cover the projects and would not change Morgantown residential rates. Councilors said more detailed information will be provided to a future council and that staff will return with specifics as each step — board approval, PSC review, and council acceptance — progresses.
Councilors characterized the schedule as subject to regulatory review and project completion, with final city action anticipated toward the end of the year.
