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Harrisville officials say sewer-treatment upgrades may force utility fee increases; third‑party rate study planned
Summary
Harrisville staff told the City Council at a Jan. budget work session that rising wastewater treatment costs and a state-mandated change to ultraviolet treatment are increasing the city’s sewer bills and could require utility fee increases.
Harrisville staff told the City Council at a Jan. budget work session that rising wastewater treatment costs and a state-mandated change to ultraviolet treatment are increasing the city’s sewer bills and could require utility fee increases.
“Back when I first took this position, we received a letter consent that we were sued. That our treatment fees were a $101,000 a quarter,” a staff presenter said, describing recent quarterly treatment charges and noting they now total roughly $404,000 a year. The presenter said the treatment provider has indicated a 2% quarterly increase may be imposed, which would push annual costs to nearly $500,000 if those projections hold.
City staff said the treatment plant transitioned from chlorine disinfection to an ultraviolet-light system, a change outside the city’s control that contributed to the higher treatment charges. To ensure any increases to resident utility bills are defensible and in compliance with state expectations, staff recommended hiring Science Bank (a third-party consultant) to perform a utility rate analysis covering sewer, stormwater, street lights, hydrants and garbage services.
The consultant study is intended to support any proposed changes by documenting that rates are aligned with the cost of service, staff said. The presenter said the state has asked municipalities to back fee adjustments with third‑party analyses and that the council will see the study results and any formal proposals at a future council meeting.
Staff emphasized that the utility funds (enterprise funds) are operating on thin margins and that the city aims to build small fund balances to pay for long-term upgrades and maintenance. The presenter said the sewer enterprise brings in roughly $750,000 in annual revenue now, and that annual maintenance activities—like manhole sealing and system cleaning—cost tens of thousands of dollars each year.
No action was taken at the work session. Staff said they will pursue bids for the rate study and return to council with a scope and cost estimate before proposing any rate adjustments.
