The Public Service Commission approved the Town of Belmont's petition for a certificate of public convenience and its notice of intent to establish initial water rates after staff identified that Belmont had extended service beyond one mile from town limits without a certificate or tariff on file.

Mr. Rhodes (staff) said the filing brought Belmont into compliance with PSC rules, established the correct service area maps and legal descriptions, and would not change how service is provided. He also presented the town's proposed initial rates: customers beyond the one-mile limit would see an increase of $10.10 on the first 3,000 gallons and $3.27 per 1,000 gallons over that minimum; based on average usage of 3,800 gallons, outside-city customers would face an average monthly increase of $12.72. Rhodes said 1,157 total customers exist on the Belmont system, 41 of whom are beyond the one-mile boundary, and that all customers received mailed notice of the pending rate change.

Commissioners had no substantive objections and approved the certificate and the rate filing on voice votes. Staff recommended providing appropriate governance training to the town board so the municipality can manage tariff and service responsibilities moving forward.