No Alternate Sources for Water System Funds
Council is considering an emergency water-rate increase recommended by the Elkins Water Board.
Some customers have asked if there is any other way the water system can obtain the funds it needs to continue operations. For example, could sales-tax proceeds be used?
The short answer is no. West Virginia utilities are required to be run as self-supporting, standalone businesses, supported by rates paid by customers. Utilities are prohibited from accessing tax and other revenues from a city’s General Fund. See the below graphic for more information.
- More about governmental fund accounting: https://coe.zwinggi.co/government/treasurer/explainer-governmental-vs-proprietary-funds/
- Water rate FAQ: https://coe.zwinggi.co/2022-water-rate-increase/
New Web Page: Water Outages FAQ
Water leaks and outages affect all water systems. Starting in 2021, however, our system began seeing a significant increase in such incidents, especially in South Elkins. This year, Elkins water system workers have responded to dozens of leaks in South Elkins. Although […]
Read MoreNew Equipment to Maintain Water Valves
To repair a broken water main, it’s often necessary to turn off the water going to that pipe. But what if the valve is stuck or broken? One reason that some water outages are so widespread is because we have fewer working […]
Read MoreCity Hall News: Week of August 22, 2022
Meeting this week are the Elkins Sanitary Board and council’s ad hoc Special Hiring Committee and Rules & Ordinances Committee. Expect temporary changes to traffic patterns in the vicinity of the Tygart Hotel. Police, fire, and emergency medical personnel will participate in […]
Read More