WEIRTON – Weirton Council took the first step on Monday by implementing rate increases for the town’s water and sanitation services, but not before hearing the concerns of some town residents and for having accepted an amendment proposed by one of their own.
The rate increases, if implemented, are expected to help cover the costs of planned expansion projects at the city’s water treatment plant and sewage treatment plant, which would each rise from capacities from 4 million gallons per day to 8 million gallons per day.
The two ordinances presented on Monday received a 7-0 vote in favor of their first readings.
Under the proposed sanitary rate increase, the rate per 1,000 gallons would increase from $4.19 to $6, with the user fee increasing from $8.09 to $10.
For 2,000 gallons, residential rates would increase from $15.60 to $22; 3,050 gallons from $16.97 to $28.30; 3,400 gallons $22.34 to $30.40 and 4,500 gallons $26.95 to $37.
Similar price increases would be made for commercial customers, public authorities and industrialists.
Water rates would increase from $7.02 per 1,000 gallons to $7.75, with customer charges increasing from $7.99 to $9.25, or a total minimum bill increase of 15, $01 to $17 per 1,000 gallons. Residential rates for 3,100 gallons would increase from $29.75 to $33.28; 3,400 gallons from $31.86 to $35.60 and 4,500 gallons from $39.58 to $44.13.
Ward 7 Councilman Terry Weigel proposed an amendment to both ordinances, reducing the late payment penalty from 10% to 5%.
“The least we can do is facilitate this,” Weigel said.
The late payment penalty, or late fee, is imposed when an invoice is not paid when due.
Asked by Ward 4 Councilman George Ash if such a reduction would work, Director of Utilities Butch Mastrantoni said it would be “acceptable.”
Three residents spoke out against the proposals, mostly expressing concerns about how the increases will affect low-income residents.
“These rates would be devastating for those on modest and fixed incomes,” Chuck Svokas said, adding that he believed the rate increases were premature until the city received more information about potential grants that would also be used to fund the projects.
Others pointed to what they saw as an inequitable distribution of increases.
Mastrantoni offered to meet with residents after the meeting to discuss their concerns.
“There were misunderstandings” said Mastrantoni. “If I can smooth them out, I think you’ll feel better.”
If implemented, the water increase will come into effect on August 31, with the health increase set for May 26.
The wastewater treatment upgrades are estimated to cost $24,035,000, with the water treatment plant project estimated at $26,850,000.
A public hearing on the proposed rate increases will be held on April 11, before the next regular council meeting. The final reading of the ordinance is also scheduled for April 11.
(Howell can be reached at [email protected] and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)