At Monday night’s Utilities Commission meeting, Chestertown Mayor Margo Bailey introduced Ordinance 03-2011 which would raise town water and sewer rates by 10 percent.
The new rates would be $29.70 a quarter for water and $29.70 a quarter for sewer for a total of $59.40 a quarter or $19.80 a month. Commercial rates would increase to $59.40 a quarter for water and $59.40 a quarter for sewer for a total of $118.80 a quarter or $39.60 a month. Rates for out-of-town customers would be two times the in-town rate.
If the ordinance passes the new rates will take effect July 1.
“This is necessary. We have to keep water and sewer rates at the cost of doing business,” said Bailey.
Town Utilities Manager Bob Sipes said not only is the cost of chemicals going up, but the cost and frequency of testing the town’s water is also increasing.
“The cost of testing is going through the roof,” Sipes said.
Even with the 10 percent increase, Town Manager Bill Ingersoll said the town’s rates are still lower than most neighboring towns. He said residents of Sudlersville pay $200 a quarter for their water and sewer while Millington residents pay $160 a quarter.
A public hearing on the proposed ordinance is scheduled for June 6 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
Liza Brocker says
This town sucks. Does the town really want business to stay here.
Pete Brocker Owner of Play It Again Sams
Graham says
In all honesty, $59.40/quarter doesn’t sound so bad. Originally from the Eastern Shore, I live in Ohio now, and we pay considerably more than that.
Keith Thompson says
“Rates for out-of-town customers would be two times the in-town rate.”
I’m assuming that applies to business owners who don’t live in town. Is this standard practice in other towns, or does this explain why the town otherwise has rates lower than surrounding communities? This is certainly a dis-incentive for a non-resident to open a business here.
John M says
I believe that the “out of town” rates are for customers whose residences are located outside the town limits but have connections to the town system.
Ya know what they say about ASSuming…
Keith Thompson says
@John M
I’m asking the question because I don’t know the answer. I’ll get it from the mayor next week, if not sooner.
Kennedyville says
Try Kennedyville rates on for size: $522.28 per quarter or water and sewer, even if you have your water turned off on a vacant building. That should make people feel a little better?
MBTroup says
umm Keith – You’re overthinking this one. It’s not about where people are from, but where the pipes have to go.
Gibson says
We have almost the lowest rates in the state. Pete, my raft is the Black Pearl. Prepare to be boarded.
Keith Thompson says
@Troup,
I think John M may have cleared that up for me. Still I wonder if in some cases if it makes economic sense, especially for some businesses in the current economic climate, to pay rates substantially higher than residential rates. Businesses (or residences for that matter) that use a high volume of water and sewer should have to pay more than those who don’t. Perhaps a user fee rather than a flat fee is the way to go here; not to mention that a user fee is an incentive to become more “green”.
@Middle Class.
The idea behind the marina (or what SHOULD be the idea behind the marina) is an investment creating an economic draw that increases business tax revenues through higher profits which in turn keeps the property tax and infrastructure rates down. Besides, an economic draw in Chestertown should mean that residents will spend their money here rather than spending it in Middletown or Dover. The key is that the marina has to be a part of a riverfront economic plan. That would likely be a good investment. If the town purchases the marina and just lets it sit there, it will be a bad idea.
Marge says
Keith,
The only flat fee is for the first 10,000 gallons per quarter. After that there is a rate per each 1,000 gallons used. In addition there is a $7.50 “flush tax”/Bay Restoration Fee that is uniform throughout the state. Why don’t you pick up a rate sheet at the town hall? Such is available.
Keith Thompson says
Marge, thanks for the info and please pardon my laziness.
Alex Smolens says
I think a pay per usage rate would be much more fair. I use probably 50 gallons a quarter. I could wash my hands in Evian for less than what I pay the town.