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).
Change Affecting Paperless Billing
City of Elkins Utility Billing recently made a change that affects certain customers who are signed up for online payments. Due to a compatibility issue between our online electronic payments service provider (PSN) and our accounting software, we are unable to switch […]
Read MoreCity Hall News: Week of March 6, 2023
Meeting this week are the Finance, Rules & Ordinances, Municipal Properties and Personnel Committees. Also meeting is the Elkins Tree Board and the Elkins Planning Commission. Council may hold a special call meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m. The Finance Committee meets […]
Read More8/22-8/24: No Parking on Lavallette
Monday-Wednesday (8/22-8/24), Bear Contracting will be excavating Lavallette Avenue between 14th and 15th. There will be no parking on this block while this work is ongoing. The purpose of this work is to perform sewer installation and storm-drain repair under warranty from […]
Read More