Marietta BLW hears financial update as committee recommends passing through 3.5% wastewater rate increase

Finance staff reported to the Marietta Board of Light and Water that energy resource metrics and off-system sales were favorable year to date, and that the utility is awaiting clarification on the year-end settlement from the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG).

Patina (BLW finance staff) said total energy resources for February were down 1.7% for the month but year to date were up about 6% (about 8.5 million kilowatt-hours). The electric cost of sales for the fiscal year to date was reported as favorable to budget by about $1.68 million. Patina said a settlement amount from MEAG arrived in correspondence with a number that differed from prior expectations; staff have questions open with MEAG to reconcile the figures.

Separately, the Budget & Rates Committee reported it met that morning and approved recommending a 3.5% wastewater rate increase to the full board as a pass-through of the charge the utility is being assessed. The committee presented the proposed new schedule: the minimum bill component for 2,000 gallons would increase from $17.85 to $18.47; the commodity charge per 1,000 gallons would increase from $8.92 to $9.23. Committee members said the increase reflects the charge the utility is being assessed and recommended the board adopt the pass-through.

The full board voted to adopt the committee recommendation; the wastewater rate increase was announced as effective July 1. The meeting included a preliminary budget presentation (no action required at the meeting) showing a preliminary total of $172,116,000 for the coming fiscal cycle.

Votes at a glance

- Wastewater rate pass-through (3.5%): Approved by the full board; effective July 1.