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Resident urges water-rate alternatives; manager says base rates unchanged, fees adjusted for specific services
Summary
Former councilor Richard Welch urged the town to sell more water instead of raising rates; Town Manager Ralph Mullis responded that the proposal does not raise base water rates but increases select service fees and funds capital projects from surplus.
At the March 9 meeting, resident Richard Welch questioned water-department budget increases and suggested expanding water sales rather than raising customer charges.
"If you're looking for more revenue for the water department, sell more water," Welch said, adding that water sales have dropped and the town should examine how to raise volume rather than burden ratepayers.
Town Manager Ralph Mullis responded that the proposed ordinance changes do not raise base water rates. "We are not raising the water fees," Mullis said, explaining the amendments instead update longstanding service fees (turn-ons/turn-offs, backflow testing) that "we haven't touched in over 22 years" and that certain capital projects were planned to be funded from surplus rather than an immediate rate increase.
Welch acknowledged the town has accumulated funds for projects but urged caution about increasing department budgets without clear project lists. Mullis encouraged critics to attend the March 16 all-day sessions for fuller detail on capital projects and funding sources.
