CUMBERLAND — There is a 13 percent proposed increase in sewer rates and no increase of water or trash rates, according to a Cumberland Public Works Department budget presentation at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
“The average customer will see a $4.77 per month increase on their monthly sewer bill with the proposed rate increase,” said Jeff Rhodes, director of administrative services. “The current sewer rate is $5.91.”
The proposed sewer increase stems from an increase of operational costs in excess of $500,000, according to Rhodes. The increases include sludge disposal increase of $80,000, electric increase of $98.96 and chemical increase of $460,767.
The most recent sewer increase occurred last year and became effective July 1, 2010. Water rates haven’t increased since July 2008 and trash rates haven’t increased since July 2010, according to Rhodes.
An ordinance of the proposed sewer rate increase will be introduced June 7 with second and third readings scheduled on June 21. Public comment will be taken after the second reading.
Public works has a total budget of $20.3 million.
In order to save the city money, city departments were asked to adhere to a 10 percent budget reduction for fiscal year 2012 that included no capital purchases.
“Most departments adhered to the 10 percent budget reduction,” said Rhodes. Departments with a higher proportion of personnel costs when compared to total operating costs had a more difficult time reaching the 10 percent goal. Examples of this would be in Police and Fire.”
Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.
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