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Toccoa officials flag utility cost pressures and floating rate options for FY2027
Summary
Utilities Director Harry Scott and City Manager Fredda O. Wheeler warned of rising water/wastewater operating costs and proposed possible rate adjustments (example figures discussed: $1.25 inside residential, $1.56 outside base, $1.50 wastewater) to cover operations, maintenance and reserves.
Utilities Director Harry Scott told the commission that chemicals, fuel and power costs have "skyrocketed," driving higher operating expenses across water and wastewater systems and that the city faces staffing and equipment shortfalls. Scott reviewed a recent small rate increase in 2024 and discussed example adjustments presented for consideration: $1.25 for inside residential service, $1.56 for outside base service and $1.50 for wastewater. He said these are potential adjustments to consider and did not state final adoption.
City Manager Fredda O. Wheeler echoed the need to keep utility fund reserves healthy to prepare for emergencies, future repairs and regulatory compliance. Commissioners requested additional detail on rate scenarios and asked staff to return with formal modeling and customer impact estimates before any adoption vote.
