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).
Why is Elkins holding virtual meetings?
Upon Mayor Broughton’s declaration of a citywide state of emergency on March 17, 2020, and based on recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control regarding minimizing infection risk during the coronavirus pandemic, Elkins Common Council temporarily suspended council and committee meetings. This […]
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Elkins, W. Va., June 13, 2020: Monday commences the fifth week since Elkins City Hall reopened to the public. Before visiting, please review the safety precautions on this page of our website: www.cityofelkinswv.com/visiting-city-hall-pandemic-expect. On Monday, at 3:15 p.m., the Elkins Sanitary Board—the […]
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Elkins, W. Va., February 13, 2021: Next week, both the Elkins Sanitary Board and council’s Finance Committee hold special meetings. Council, its Municipal Properties Committee, and the Elkins Parks and Recreation Commission meet as regularly scheduled. Early in-person voting for the 2021 […]
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