An Idiot's Guide to the City of Huntington's Sewer Fee Increase
On June 1, 2009, the City of Huntington Sanitary Board ("Sanitary Board") filed an application for a certificate of convenience and necessity to construct improvements to its sewer system and to extend sewer service to Kinetic Park, an area of future development in its service area. The Sanitary Board's application further seeks the Commission's approval of the financing of the project.
The Sanitary Board estimates the total construction cost for the proposed project to be $11,115,000.00. The Sanitary Board is seeking a $7,966,000.00 grant-like loan from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ("Stimulus Package") and a grant in the amount of $3,149,000.00. As of the filing of this application, the Sanitary Board has not received approval of funding.
The Huntington City Council, at a special called meeting on June 9, 2009, approved on a 9-1 vote an Ordinance proposing a two phase increase in its sewer rates and charges. Phase 1 of the proposed increase in rates will become effective 45 days after adoption of the Ordinance. Phase II of the proposed increase in rates will become effective upon completion of the sewer system improvements and extension project or upon commencement of debt service associated therewith, whichever first occurs.
The increased rates are based upon the Sanitary Board receiving $7,966,000.00 funding through the Stimulus Package and the $3,149,000.00 grant funding. Should funding terms be different, the rates would be adjusted accordingly.
Rates:
Customer charge is $2.86 per month
First 2,240 gallons of water used per month - $3.85 per 1,000 gallons
Next 12,720 gallons of water used per month - $2.80 per 1,000 gallons
Next 134,640 gallons of water used per month - $3.61 per 1,000 gallons
Next 7,330,000 gallons of water used per month - $3.50 per 1000 gallons
All Over 7,488,000 gallons of water used per month - $1.62 per 1000 gallons
(This information was taken directly from the legal notice posted in the Huntington Herald-Dispatch by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia - Charleston.)
The Sanitary Board estimates the total construction cost for the proposed project to be $11,115,000.00. The Sanitary Board is seeking a $7,966,000.00 grant-like loan from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ("Stimulus Package") and a grant in the amount of $3,149,000.00. As of the filing of this application, the Sanitary Board has not received approval of funding.
The Huntington City Council, at a special called meeting on June 9, 2009, approved on a 9-1 vote an Ordinance proposing a two phase increase in its sewer rates and charges. Phase 1 of the proposed increase in rates will become effective 45 days after adoption of the Ordinance. Phase II of the proposed increase in rates will become effective upon completion of the sewer system improvements and extension project or upon commencement of debt service associated therewith, whichever first occurs.
The increased rates are based upon the Sanitary Board receiving $7,966,000.00 funding through the Stimulus Package and the $3,149,000.00 grant funding. Should funding terms be different, the rates would be adjusted accordingly.
Rates:
Customer charge is $2.86 per month
First 2,240 gallons of water used per month - $3.85 per 1,000 gallons
Next 12,720 gallons of water used per month - $2.80 per 1,000 gallons
Next 134,640 gallons of water used per month - $3.61 per 1,000 gallons
Next 7,330,000 gallons of water used per month - $3.50 per 1000 gallons
All Over 7,488,000 gallons of water used per month - $1.62 per 1000 gallons
(This information was taken directly from the legal notice posted in the Huntington Herald-Dispatch by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia - Charleston.)
posted C. Richard Cobb, Sr. @11:23 AM 
