Utility bill higher than usual?
If you’ve noticed a higher total on your utility bill this month, it’s because of a sewer-rate increase that just went into effect. The amount raised by this increase is paying for a $4.3 million sewer project scheduled for this year. (In case you didn’t know, your sewer usage is charged based on your water usage.)
The purpose of this project, known as the Phase II Sewer Project, is to reduce sewage discharges into the river during heavy rain events. These discharges happen because Elkins stormwater and sewage have traditionally been carried in the same system of pipes, which can overflow during heavy rains. The Phase II Sewer Project will install several new dedicated stormwater lines to reduce the occurrence of such overflows. This project is proceeding under a federal consent decree between Elkins and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
There is no other source for this money. Under state law, sewer and other utilities must be run as standalone businesses. Their only source of funding comes from the rates paid by their customers. In other words, sewer projects like this one can only be paid for by raising sewer rates (and especially not with sales tax proceeds).
City Hall News: Week of Dec. 6, 2021
Meeting this week are council’s Finance Committee, Rules & Ordinances Committee, and Personnel Committee. The Elkins Planning Commission holds a public forum on its proposed zoning update Tuesday. The Finance Committee meets Monday at 10 a.m. on an agenda that includes discussion […]
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Read MoreIllegal Parking Near Railroad and Third
Statement from EPD Chief Travis Bennett: EPD personnel have observed illegal, unsafe parking patterns near the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Third Street. Drivers are reminded that, in this area, the only allowed street parking is either (1) parallel to the curb […]
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