Published Wednesday, January 29, 2003
to rise
15 pct.
being eyed
Herald Staff Writer
Water rates are going up 15 percent in Greenville.
The Greenville Municipal Authority Board voted 4-1 Tuesday night to raise the rates. Unlike privately owned utilities, the authority does not need to petition the state Public Utilities Commission for approval to raise rates.
The increase will take effect for February's water usage.
A consumer with a bimonthly water bill of $120 will see his bill rise to $138 under the new rates.
Former board secretary Thomas D'Alfonso Jr. opposed the hike, but declined to give a reason for his vote when fellow board members questioned his decision.
The increase, according to newly appointed board chairman Richard Miller, is necessary because the water authority is $100,000 short of its revenue projection. The rate increase will bring between $180,000 and $190,000 additional revenue, Miller said. The money will be used mainly to finance improvement projects.
New board treasurer Janet Hurlbert questioned the increase.
"I just want to be sure we are doing the right thing," she said.
The increase is the first in two years. The board did not raise water rates last year, Miller said, because the county and Greenville borough both raised property taxes by a sizable amount.
Board Vice Chairman Dr. John Brown said, "We all know the rate increase is necessary. We need to get the (capital improvement) projects done." He also questioned whether a 15 percent increase would be sufficient to cover the board's projects, which include buying a new raw water pump and making improvements to the water plant.
Last year, Miller said, the board did not have enough money or manpower to work on any of the projects.
The board also set a work session for 6 p.m. Tuesday to discuss a 2003 budget. Miller proposed a budget Tuesday that includes the 15 percent rate hike.
You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Amanda Smith-Teutsch at: ateutsch@sharonherald.com