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Caroline Supervisors vote to approve utility rate adjustments and close Jericho trash dump site
Date published: 3/12/2009
BY PORTSIA SMITH
Some Caroline County residents may notice a change in their utility bills when they arrive in May. Supervisors voted 3-2 Tuesday night in favor of new water and sewer rates, which will go into effect for the billing period beginning April 1. The change lowers the base rate for water and sewer but creates a four-tiered usage charge. As a result, some residents could see their bills rise; others could pay less. The change also brings Milford Sanitary District customers into the county water system and changes their billing from quarterly to monthly. Supervisors Floyd Thomas and Wayne Acors opposed the new rate, saying they would prefer to see the rates change at a slower pace instead of hitting residents all at once. Supervisor Bobby Popowicz voted for the plan because he said it wasn't fair to his residents who don't use the water or sewer systems to have to continue to pay for it with their tax dollars. Over the past few years, the utility fund has been heavily subsidized by the general fund. The new billing system is expected to create $720,000 in annual revenue and make the utility fund self-sufficient in operations and maintenance, said Public Utilities Superintendent Joseph Schiebel. Three residents spoke out against the new rates during the public comment period at Tuesday's meeting. "This is my community and I plan to live here for the rest of my life, " said Mark Fero, who lives in the Madison District and expects to have to pay more under the new plan. "An extra $100 a month is going to be the straw that breaks the backs of some in our county." Citing the tight budget and the need for a self-sufficient utility system, Supervisor Jeff Sili told the board that he didn't think they had any other choice but to pass the new rates. The residential water rates will start with a flat $14 charge--a $3 increase for Milford residents and a $7 decrease for other county residents. Additional charges will mount based on usage. Residential sewer rates will start at an $18 base charge, which is $5.10 less than now. But usage charges will add to that amount. Milford residents don't pay for sewerage. Utility Superintendent Schiebel said a majority of Caroline residents are in the lowest tier for usage, which is $1.25 per 1,000 gallons for water and $8.25 per gallon for sewerage. Commercial rates would also change under this plan, he said. In other business, the board voted to close the Jericho Road trash dump site permanently and reduce the hours at all other sites. Starting later this month, most sites will open at 8 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. The recommendation by Public Works Superintendent Allen Ramsey was based on the need to meet mandatory furloughs of all county employees. It could save approximately $10,652 this fiscal year and $26,491 next year. Portsia Smith: 540/374-5419
Read more stories about Caroline Date published: 3/12/2009
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