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 June 21, 2021
Elkins, W. Va., June 19, 2021: City hall is closed Monday in observance of West Virginia Day. Trash will be collected on the usual schedule. Meeting this week are the Elkins Water Board and council’s Boards & Commissions Committee. The Elkins Water […]
Read MoreThanksgiving Week 2022: Schedule Changes
If your trash is usually picked up on MONDAYS or THURSDAYS, this schedule will change during Thanksgiving week. Trash normally picked up MONDAYS will be picked up Sunday (11/20), starting at 6 a.m. Trash normally picked up THURSDAYS will be […]
Read MoreCity Hall News: Week of Jan. 16, 2023
Meeting this week are council’s ad hoc Organizational Audit Committee and Municipal Properties Committee. Also meeting are the Elkins Historic Landmarks Commission (EHLC), Elkins Parks & Recreation Commission (EPRC), and the Elkins Planning Commission. City hall will be closed Monday in observance […]
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