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Buckhannon advances multi-step water-rate increase to third reading
Summary
The Buckhannon City Council approved Ordinance No. 476 on its second reading Oct. 16, 2025, adopting a three-step increase in water distribution rates designed to help finance a new water treatment facility; the ordinance is scheduled for third reading Nov. 6, 2025 and would take effect Dec. 21, 2025 if adopted.
The Buckhannon City Council on Oct. 16 advanced Ordinance No. 476, a three-step increase in water distribution rates, approving the ordinance on its second reading and scheduling a third reading, passage and adoption for Nov. 6, 2025.
City Attorney Thomas J. O'Neill presented the ordinance, which the Water Board recommended following a Sept. 9, 2025 independent rate study by Smith Cochran & Hicks PLLC. The ordinance says rates had not been raised since 2021 and that revenue is currently insufficient to finance the design and construction of a new water treatment facility. The ordinance directs the Mayor to file necessary documents with the West Virginia Public Service Commission to implement the changes.
Under the ordinance, Step 1 (Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2026) sets per-1,000-gallon charges at $9.82 for 0–2,000 gallons, $9.46 for 2,000–14,000, $8.49 for 14,000–50,000 and $3.91 for more than 50,000; a 5/8-inch meter minimum monthly bill is $19.64. Step 2 (2027) and Step 3 (effective Jan. 1, 2028) raise those rates in three staged increases, with Step 3 listing $13.18 per 1,000 gallons for 0–2,000 and a 5/8-inch meter minimum of $26.36. The ordinance also addresses resale rates, tap/service connection fees, leak adjustments, reconnect charges and other administrative fees.
The ordinance text notes that some state or federal funding sources require a local match and that the rate increases are intended, in part, to support financing required by those funding sources. The ordinance states an effective date 45 days after adoption; the document cites Dec. 21, 2025 as the date corresponding to that timing if the ordinance is adopted at the Nov. 6 meeting.
Councilmembers Jack L. Reger and Robert S. Zuliani moved to approve the ordinance on second reading; the motion carried. The third reading, final vote and adoption are set for Nov. 6, 2025.
If adopted, the ordinance will replace prior water-related ordinances cited in the text and direct the Mayor to take administrative steps with the Public Service Commission to ensure compliance.
