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Feasibility study: Burlington water and sewer faces operating deficits; rate increases proposed
Summary
A feasibility study presented to the Hancock County Board found Burlington Water & Sewer averaged an annual deficit (~$30,000) over FY2020–24 and recommended a 10% initial rate increase, 5% annual increases thereafter, and a fixed utility fee to reach a small surplus over 10 years.
County staff presented the Burlington Water & Sewer feasibility study covering fiscal years 2020–24. The presenter said the utility has averaged close to a $30,000 annual deficit over the last five years and that expenses have increased at roughly 9% per year. The study recommended a 10% initial rate increase, followed by 5% annual increases, and a fixed utility fee in the $2–$11 range (depending on funding needs for pump replacements) to allow the utility to operate in a small surplus over the next 10 years.
Board members encouraged the utility to call a special meeting and approve a budget before October and to include recommended rate changes. A member of the public (Sheryl) later thanked the board and staff and said the utility board will review the study and set public hearings in the next month or two before bringing proposals back to the board.
No formal rate ordinance or vote to change rates was taken by the county board during this meeting; the feasibility report was spread on the minutes for record.
