As the old saying goes, nothing is guaranteed in life but death and taxes. Well, add increases in water and sewer rates to that list.
Due to the cost increases of chemicals, materials, and salaries, Chestertown has to raise its water and sewer rates. Residential customers can expect to pay $54 a quarter, $27 for water and $27 for sewer. Commercial customers will pay $108 a quarter, $54 for water and $54 for sewer. Out of town customers pay twice the amount of town residents.
The cost for a water and sewer hookup is also going up. In town hookups will cost $3,500 each, out of town hookups will be $7,000 each. There will also be a $7,000 sewer tap permit. This does not include the cost of hardware, meters, or a testing fee.
“This is something that is long overdue, no one can get a free ride,” Mayor Margo Bailey said at Monday night’s meeting.
Councilman Jim Gatto said that what the town is charging is right in the middle of regional hookup fees. He suggested that revenue from hookup fees be put as a separate line item in the budget, not clumped in with the general fund, so the public “doesn’t think: we have this surplus, [so] let’s cut rates. It provides a clear message to the public about where the money is going, so we’re not depending on hookup fees for operational costs” of the treatment plants.
The new rates, if passed, will not take effect until July 1 of this year.
Gren Whitman says
Publicly owned and operated water and wastewater treatment systems?
What’s wrong with privately owned and operated plants?
Wouldn’t private enterprise do a much better job at lower costs?
Sounds like creeping socialism to me!
Fifi says
I’m having trouble with the math …. I already pay over $54 quarterly. $56.50 to be exact. Huh?