VALDOSTA —
City of Valdosta water customers will soon see an average 5% increase to their water and sewer rates, based on water consumption and size of water meter, with a minimum increase of $1.40. The increase, effective July 1, 2012, will be reflected in the August utility bills and will offset rising operating costs.
Rate increases are fair and equitable among both residential and commercial customers. All water and sewer customers will see a minimum $0.70 increase in the water rate and a $0.70 increase in the sewer rate based on a 5/8 inch water meter (average residential home), for a total increase of $1.40 per month on their utility bill. These rate increases will vary according to the size of their water meter and how much water customers use.
For residential customers who use 500 CF (3,750 gallons) or less of water per month, the city has established a lifeline rate for basic residential needs. These customers will not see an increase in consumption rates and will only see the $1.40 increase on their monthly utility bill. Water customers who use more than 500 CF of water will see a slight increase in the consumption rate depending on how much water they use and size of their water meter.
In recent years, the city has implemented an annual 5% rate increase to meet rising operating costs, such as fuel, electricity, materials, chemicals, etc. Customers can expect to see the annual rates increase each July for the next five years to cover increased expenses including loan repayments, replacement and repair costs associated with current and future infrastructure needs, among other expenses associated with maintaining the city’s water and sewer systems.
Annual Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) revenues have had a major positive impact in keeping Valdosta’s utility rates low. Continued utilization of SPLOST funding is necessary to keep rates affordable and below peer communities. If SPLOST funds were not available, rates would have to increase at least another 37% to maintain the needs of the city’s water and sewer system.
The City of Valdosta’s water and sewer rates have consistently been among the lowest in the state. Even with the gradual rate increases to be phased in over the next five years, Valdosta’s rates will still be at or below the average water and sewer bill with our comparison communities (see figure below). However, most to all of them will likely need to raise their rates as well for the same reasons over this same period. A strong and healthy water and sewer system is a key component of successful economic development.
Top News
Related Photos
-
Existing residential rate comparison under proposed rates
Discussion
City of Valdosta 2012 Water & Sewer Rates Increase
-
-
Dozens killed as tornado ravages Oklahoma City area
A powerful late-afternoon tornado leveled much of this Oklahoma community Monday, killing at least 51 people. Reporters on helicopters flying above the scene described the scene as “devastating.”
-
Today in History for Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Today is Tuesday, May 21, the 141st day of 2013. There are 224 days left in the year.
-
Several Republicans weigh challenge to Barrow
Now that Rep. John Barrow has turned down a campaign for the U.S. Senate, the challenge ahead for the Deep South’s last white Democratic congressman will be to defy the odds a second time by winning re-election in an eastern Georgia district that was drawn to ensure his defeat.
-
‘Trek’ does $70.6M but falls short of studio hopes
“Star Trek: Into Darkness” has warped its way to a $70.6 million domestic launch from Friday to Sunday, though it’s not setting any light-speed records with a debut that’s lower than the studio’s expectations.
-
Syrian troops push into strategic rebel-held town
Syrian troops pushed into a rebel-held town near the Lebanese border on Sunday, fighting house-to-house and bombing from the air as President Bashar Assad tried to strengthen his grip on a strategic strip of land running from the capital to the Mediterranean coast.
-
Taylor Swift wins 8 trophies at Billboard Awards
Another day, another domination for Taylor Swift: She was the red hot winner at the Billboard Music Awards.
-
Tornadoes level homes in Okla., 21 injured
One of several tornadoes that touched down Sunday in Oklahoma turned homes in a trailer park near Oklahoma City into splinters and rubble and sent frightened residents along a 100-mile corridor scurrying for shelter.
-
Ticket for record Powerball jackpot sold in Florida town
Some lucky person walked into a Publix supermarket in suburban Florida over the past few days and bought a ticket now worth an estimated $590.5 million — the highest Powerball jackpot in history.
-
Today in History for Monday, May 20, 2013
Today is Monday, May 20, the 140th day of 2013. There are 225 days left in the year.
-
Official: Broken rail eyed in Conn. train crash
The commuter train derailment and collision that left dozens injured outside New York City was not the result of foul play, officials said Saturday, but a fractured section of rail is being studied to determine if it is connected to the accident.
- More Top News Headlines
-
