Dissent Forces More Change in Water Rates

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County water users will see another change in rates starting October 15th. The water authority set new water rates this week during its September 17th meeting. The move was a response to a series of criticisms from the community in the wake of the last set of changes made during the August meeting.

Business owners and residents came out to last night’s meeting to voice their frustration over the August increases, which weigh heavier on local businesses than residents.

Quick Burger Drive-in owner Robin Parsons said his bill increased 100 percent from last month. Parsons said he doesn’t have an alternative for water services and felt that he is at a disadvantage because these rates don’t apply to business owners in Jasper.

“If this (rate increase) is because you want to increase the pipe lines to other parts of the county, that’s fine,”

he said, adding,

“But, rather than just hitting a business owner, surely it would be much more equitable to put a lesser increase over all of your customers.”

Parsons argued to spread the increase over residential customers as well as business owners, who bear heavier increases, to lower costs.

Annelle Bagwell, a poultry farmer, said her water bill went up from $1500 last month to $2700 this month, despite using less water during the latter period. Gas prices already place a financial strain on poultry farmers, she noted.

“I don’t know if we can keep our farm going with this (increase),”

she said.

Parsons and Bagwell appealed to the board to revise the policy.

Several residents also made appeals to the board. Wesley Nelson said his bill was $1400, but was adjusted down to $718.28. Kim Mead asked for another adjustment—she received an adjustment last month as well. Mead explained she had a leak at her residence and that’s why her bill was so high. Her bill last month was $420 and was adjusted down to $248. This month Mead’s bill was $430. The board agreed to allow the two customers to pay their debt over a two month-period.

Last month’s policy change raised all minimum bills by $2.75 and doubled large usage customers, like business owners. After hearing the comments, the board decided to review the policy. Following a brief discussion, the board voted unanimously to change the rates. It agreed to raise all minimum bills by $6.75 and eliminate the surcharge.

The purpose of the increase is to fund water line projects and infrastructure. Earlier in the discussion, Mrs. Bagwell mentioned she noticed frequent water line breaks in the west end of the county, underscoring, perhaps, the need to improve infrastructure. Previously, Water Department Director Larry Coleman said the county needs to raise $180,000 a year, an equivalent of $15,000 per month.

“The reason,”

he said,

“is that GEFA (Georgia Environmental Finance Authority) mandates that we collect 110 percent of what we owe them in a 20 year period of time, so we can pay them off.”

Pickens expects to receive a loan from GEFA to fund the projects, which will cost approximately $2.4 million. This amount includes $500,000 in forgiveness to the state agency. The new rate change will yield $208,575 a year.

The last water rate increase was in 2009.

See new rates below.

RAISE ALL MINIMUM BILLS $6.75
¾” …..FROM $28.25 TO $35.00 PER MONTH
1” ….. FROM $43.25 TO $50.00 PER MONTH
2” ……FROM $58.25 TO $65.00 PER MONTH
3”….…FROM $68.25 TO $75.00 PER MONTH
4”….…FROM $73.25 TO $80.00 PER MONTH
6” ……FROM $103.25 TO $110.00 PER MONTH

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