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Hertford approves new electric rate schedule, trims proposed budget items
Summary
The Town of Hertford approved Option B for electric-rate changes—basic-rate increases and a 4.5% usage-charge hike—and cut $47,000 from the proposed budget, reallocating funds to code enforcement, tree removal, Boys & Girls Club and local nonprofits.
During its April 27 work session, the Hertford Town Council approved Option B for the electric fund to respond to a 4.5% wholesale cost increase, adopting a series of fixed-rate increases and a 4.5% increase to the usage charge for all customers.
Finance Director Ashley Eure presented three scenarios for increased revenue, including property-tax options; council declined to raise property taxes. Council approved Option B on a unanimous vote. Under Option B, residential customers face a $5 increase to the basic rate, small general/municipal customers $3, large general customers $50 and large demand customers $100; all customers will see a 4.5% increase in their usage charge. Council members noted NCEMPA has indicated another 4.5% wholesale increase may be imposed next year.
Council also adopted budget cuts totaling $47,000: reducing governing-body travel funds from $3,500 to $650; removing $35,000 in planned renovations to the Community Center; and eliminating several conferences and events. Those cuts were reallocated to Code Enforcement ($20,000), tree removal ($15,000), Boys and Girls Club ($10,000), ThrivePQ ($1,000), and Perquimans Art League ($1,000). Councilwoman Sara Winslow made the motion to approve Option B and Mayor Pro Tem Connie Brothers seconded; the rate decision passed unanimously.
Councilman Evan Copeland additionally moved to reduce the proposed governing travel fund; that motion carried. Councilors said they may need further rate increases in next year’s budget if wholesale costs rise again.
The council packaged these decisions into the preliminary budget discussion but did not give final budget adoption at the work session; staff will reflect changes in the budget documents to be considered at a future meeting.
