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Schley County Utility Authority raises water rates; shortfall remains $196,000
Summary
The Schley County Utility Authority adopted a new rate structure: a $35 base rate plus $4.50 per 1,000 gallons, and a $10 surcharge for out‑of‑county customers; county staff said the change still leaves a projected $196,000 shortfall.
The Schley County Utility Authority has raised customer water rates, adopting a $35 monthly base fee plus $4.50 per 1,000 gallons of usage and a $10 increase for out‑of‑county customers, County Manager Douglas Jamieson said at the April 8 Board of Commissioners meeting.
Jamieson said Georgia Rural Water, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have advised the county for years to adjust rates; a Georgia Rural Water rate study provided specific recommendations. Jamieson said the adopted rates still leave an estimated shortfall of $196,000 for the system.
Commissioner Jones expressed concern about the impact of the increase on residents on fixed incomes, noting the rise represents roughly a 30% increase for some customers. Commissioner Harrison urged that because the percentage amounted to a smaller dollar amount for some households he expected the effects to be manageable.
Jamieson said higher out‑of‑county charges were intended to shift some burden from Schley County taxpayers. No further mitigation or assistance programs were adopted at the meeting; commissioners asked for additional analysis during upcoming budget work sessions.
The rate change was described by county staff as an action of the Utility Authority; the board discussed the recommendation during its April 8 session.
