North Augusta Faces Water and Sewer Rate Hikes Amid Increased Treatment Costs
Residents of North Augusta are gearing up for some financial adjustments as the City Council meets to address new water and sewer rates. Following an unexpected hike in charges from Aiken County, which runs the Horse Creek Wastewater Treatment facility, the city’s residents may see their bills rise significantly.
The Situation at Hand
As of September 9, the city council convened to discuss an estimated additional cost burden of nearly $2 million that North Augusta will face annually. This figure comes into play as Aiken County recently raised its rates by a whopping 65% for all entities utilizing the Horse Creek facility. This facility is crucial, as it treats wastewater for not just North Augusta, but also most of Aiken County and portions of Edgefield and Saluda counties.
Breaking Down the Numbers
North Augusta’s finance director, Lynda Williamson, has calculated how this increase will impact the average household. It’s projected that a typical household will have to pay about $80 more a year for combined water and sewer services. Meanwhile, couples may face an increase of around $48. If approved in a final reading on September 16, these new rates are set to take effect on October 1, which would provide only partial relief from the immediate financial hit the city is experiencing.
Why the Sudden Increase?
The increase seems to have caught many off guard. Councilwoman Pat Carpenter remarked on how these changes seem to come from “higher up,” meaning that the City Council must pass the costs directly onto customers. Unlike other city operations funded through the General Fund, the water and sewer services mainly rely on user fees. With more than 13,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers, these rates are pivotal for covering the city’s own fees to Aiken County.
Aiken County’s Decision
To put matters into perspective, Aiken County had not raised its charges for over a decade. Now, the fees have jumped from $1.40 per thousand gallons to $2.31, primarily to keep the facility running smoothly. The county is currently grappling with its own rapid growth, which has led to a critical shortage in sewer capacity.
A New Development on the Horizon
Despite the considerable increase, there is a silver lining. New residential and commercial projects coming to North Augusta are expected to help offset some of the financial burden. Finance director Williamson estimates that the city’s new rates will cover 90% of the new projected costs for the upcoming year, which sits at approximately $1.93 million. The remaining 10% will likely be buffered by the new facilities, which are starting to open up.
What’s Next for North Augusta?
Additionally, the situation isn’t unique to North Augusta. The neighboring city of Aiken is also considering raising its rates, with discussions already underway. City Administrator Stuart Bedenbaugh expressed concern over the unexpected nature of these increases, stressing that such a major adjustment would affect residents across the board.
Conclusion
As North Augusta navigates these financial waters, residents should keep an eye out for upcoming council meetings and remain informed about changes that could impact their utility bills. Effective October 1, the city is poised to implement changes that will last for at least 15 months, offering a degree of stability amidst the sudden shifts.
With the city’s budgeting season in full swing and no additional millage increases anticipated, residents may find themselves engaging more with city officials to understand how these changes will affect their day-to-day living expenses. Stay tuned for more updates as North Augusta heads into what promises to be a busy and challenging fiscal period.
