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PSC approves Belmont's certificate and initial water rates; customers beyond city limits face higher bills
Summary
The commission granted the Town of Belmont a certificate to construct and maintain a water system and approved initial rates for customers outside the one-mile town limit; staff said 41 of 1,157 customers live beyond the one-mile limit and would see a notable increase in monthly bills.
The Public Service Commission approved two petitions from the Town of Belmont: a petition for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct and maintain a water system in Tishomingo County, and a notice of intent to establish initial rates for customers served beyond the town's one-mile limit.
Staff explained the filings were prompted by a staff review that found Belmont had provided water service more than one mile from town limits without a certificate or a tariff on file. The filing corrects the administrative record and establishes the town's service area and appropriate maps and legal descriptions. Staff noted Belmont has 1,157 customers in total, of whom 41 live beyond the one-mile limit; customers outside the limit were projected to see an increase (staff cited a $12.72 monthly increase for an average customer using 3,800 gallons per month based on the proposed rates). Staff recommended approval and the commission voted to approve the petition and rates.
Commissioners observed that municipal systems commonly serve customers outside corporate limits and emphasized the need for appropriate governance and training for municipal utility boards to manage tariffs and operations.
The order brings Belmont into compliance with PSC rules and creates a legal tariff for the town going forward.
