As of Saturday, February 16, 2013
© Copyright 2013
Rockdale Citizen
CONYERS -- Rockdale Water Resources will hold a public meeting Thursday to update residents on proposed water and sewer rate increases and why they are recommended by the department.
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the J.P. Carr Community Center. Topics to be covered include:
-- What are the utility system's sustainability requirements?
-- How will the additional revenue be used?
-- What is the financial impact on the average homeowner?
-- What consideration is being given to low-income customers?
The meeting is part of a campaign by RWR to educate customers about the proposed rate increase and define what is needed to keep the water system operating efficiently and meet future demands.
The educational campaign, which will be carried out in conjunction with the Rockdale Water and Sewerage Authority, will include public presentations to community groups, a mailout to water customers, and "infomercials" that will air on Channel 23.
A rate study by Raftelis Financial Consultants, completed in 2012, showed that RWR will need to increase water and sewer rates in order to keep up with operating costs and maintain the system.
The study showed that RWR's current rates will not generate enough revenue this year to reinvest in the system to maintain current service levels, avoid depleting reserves and meet 2014 debt service requirements. In addition, the current rate structure does not encourage water conservation, and sewer rate increases are needed to make the sewer system more self-sufficient.
Raftelis recommended RWR adjust rates by increasing the number of rate tiers from three to four and reducing the usage cutoffs between tiers. These changes would increase revenues while encouraging water conservation, according to the study. In addition, the study recommended increasing water rates for non-residential customers and increasing sewer rates by 15 percent per year for three years as an initial step to making the sewer system self-supporting.
Under the recommended changes, an average residential water customer using 6,000 gallons per month would see a rate increase of 5.8 percent in 2013, or $1.95 on a $33.65 bill. An average monthly sewer charge would increase 9.5 percent, from $39.23 per month to $42.95.
More like this story
- Study shows need for water, sewer rate increases ( December 5, 2012 )
- Water Authority approves resolution seeking rate increase ( April 6, 2013 )
- RWR making its pitch for a rate increase ( February 25, 2013 )
- RWR to make case for rate increase ( January 2, 2013 )
- Water Authority considers rate increase ( May 30, 2009 )
Comments
roots 3 months ago
Well no "Out of the Box" thinking here.
Why not help Homeowners build Cisterns for rain collection and teach them how to use the water for Lawn and Garden needs?
Those folks at the "Storm Water Utility" could get involved with this type of Water Control and really do some creative thinking and problem solving about how this would impact the need for BIGGER DITCHES and UNDER ROAD PIPES that are needed now to handle all the wasted runoff rainfall.
It would be so refreshing to know that our Government and Government Controlled Utilities were actually working toward finding "ROOT CAUSES" to problems rather than "TREATING THE SYMPTOMS" of a problem.
All that pretty new equipment just sitting around idle and not being used could be working every day for the citizens of our county. And you know, they might just help to create some private sector JOBS by contracting this type of construction out.
Manage our resources, don't just let them wash away…..
BUBBA 3 months ago
If we have enough people show up at the meetings to demand fiscal responsibilities before we allow more spending we might get the point across
Sundance 3 months ago
I am not even reading this article. Rates have increased a lot in the past several years and it is ridiculous. The rates need to drop. When the housing market crashed, we had less people living here and using water but the prices went up! If we have fewer people using water, we need fewer employees and less equipment. I will never believe what these guys say. They will always want more money and make up reasons why.
Sundance 3 months ago
OK I read it anyway. I have one question, how much does the educational campaign cost? I hate when dummies waste money on campaigns to convince us that they need to charge us more. It reminds me of that ad campaign trying to get us to vote for marta. So please RWR, please get to work saving money and be glad that you have tricked us out of the amount you have. Every month you take the amount of water I use, then double it to pay for "waste water". Start doing your job and stop trying to trick us!
Listenup 3 months ago
Water and Sewer rates have not increased in Rockdale in 10 years. Some counties nearby increase every year. Do your homework.
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