Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wastewater Rates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board votes to raise Mount Carmel wastewater user rate to $70 a month
Summary
Facing rising pump failures and a negative operating balance, supervisors voted to increase the Mount Carmel wastewater user rate from $45 to $70 per month and asked staff to prepare a resolution and customer mailer that explains the change and the county's policy on billing repeat pump abusers.
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.
