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County discussion centers on water-rate structures, affordability and irrigation metering
Summary
At a Worcester County meeting, speakers discussed rate structures for water and sewer service, recommending minimum-plus-volume billing, low or zero gallon allowances, irrigation metering or surcharges, and affordability thresholds tied to median household income. No formal vote was recorded.
An unidentified speaker presented options for setting water and sewer rates to the Worcester County meeting, recommending a minimum-plus-volume (base charge plus measured usage) structure, limiting included gallons and targeting affordability metrics.
The presenter said the most equitable structure is to charge customers only for what they use: “0 is the most equitable way,” referring to including zero gallons in a minimum allowance, and recommended, “no more than 3,000 gallons a month.” The presenter discussed tradeoffs among flat/uniform rates, minimum-plus-volume (base charge plus a volume charge), and block rates designed to encourage conservation.
Why it matters: rate design determines who pays fixed system costs, how the system funds reserves and debt service, and how affordability burdens fall across households. County officials heard that design choices affect conservation incentives, political acceptability and eligibility for state and federal funding programs.
Key points from the…
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