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Morgantown council approves first reading to acquire Star City water and sewer, sets rates
Summary
The Morgantown City Council approved a first-reading ordinance to acquire the Town of Star City’s water and sewer utilities and adopt service rates for that territory, following a presentation from the Morgantown Utility Board and a 5-1 vote.
Morgantown — The City Council on Feb. 3 approved a first-reading ordinance authorizing the city to acquire the Town of Star City’s water and sewer utilities and to establish rates for customers in that service area.
Eric Carlson, chairman of the Morgantown Utility Board, briefed the council on the proposed acquisition, noting the proposal maintains the current rate structure used by Star City while the utility board and staff work to integrate operations. Carlson said the board’s general manager was attending a national conference and sent his regards.
Council members asked about future rate policies, minimum-billing differences between the systems, potential capital improvements needed after acquisition and risks of stretching staffing resources. The questions focused on how the Star City system would be brought into Morgantown’s larger utility operations and what capital investments might be required.
A motion to advance the ordinance was made and seconded; the roll call produced a 5-1 vote in favor and the measure passed on first reading. The council did not adopt final rates during the first reading; the ordinance as presented maintained Star City’s current structure pending further integration work.
The ordinance will return for additional readings and final action as required by the city’s ordinance procedures. Council members who raised concerns said they expect follow-up reports on capital needs and staffing implications before subsequent votes.
