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Nutter Fort council tables first reading of water-rate increase ordinance
Summary
Accountant Zach Dobbins told the council Ordinance 2025-04 would raise water rates by about 12.77%, citing a Clarksburg resale increase; council voted unanimously to table the first reading and schedule a work session for further review.
Nutter Fort council delayed action on a proposed water-rate increase after hearing details during the ordinance's first reading on Oct. 28.
Accountant Zach Dobbins told the council the proposal, Ordinance 2025-04, would raise the town's water rates by "approximately 12.77%" and that "two-thirds of the increase is due to Clarksburg raising their resale rate." He gave concrete examples: "A 2,000-gallon bill will increase by $4.06 a month and a 3,000-gallon water bill will increase by $5.95." Dobbins warned that failing to raise rates could leave the town without adequate funds to meet debt service and could lead to monetary default on bonds or receivership.
After discussion about the drivers of the increase and the town's exposure to Clarksburg Water Board decisions, Councilor Shawn Spurlock moved to table the first reading and schedule a work session; Councilor Charlene Louk seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The town did not vote on the ordinance itself; the council opted for further staff follow-up and a dedicated work session to review assumptions and timing.
The hearing record notes the current Clarksburg resale rate was described as moving from $3.88 to $4.00 and that the town's water purchases constitute its largest water-side expense. Council did not set a date for the work session at the meeting.
