Board votes to raise Mount Carmel wastewater user rate to $70 a month

The Carroll County Board of Supervisors voted to raise the monthly user rate for the Mount Carmel wastewater system from $45 to $70 to address a persistent shortfall, rising repair costs and repeated grinder-pump failures.

Courtney reviewed system finances and noted the operating account was negative while a small reserve account receives about $54 per month. "There's $4,194.75 total as of today," Courtney said when describing cash on hand and reserves; she explained the reserve receives a monthly $54 contribution intended for major failures but is currently inadequate for recent pump replacements.

Board members discussed range and timing of increases. Staff modeling showed a $64 monthly rate would put the system to a small positive average; several supervisors argued for stepping farther toward $70 to create a more durable surplus. Mike moved to set the rate at $70 per month; the motion was seconded and passed on voice vote, with at least one member saying they voted no. Members asked staff to send a letter and rate spreadsheet to customers in advance of any effective date and to include a do/don't list about what should not be flushed or put down drains. The board asked staff to prepare a formal resolution for the following week's meeting.

Next steps: staff will draft the resolution to change the user rate, prepare customer mailings explaining the financial drivers, and include language about billing homeowners who habitually cause grinder-pump failures.