Cumberland Times-News

Local News

October 11, 2012

Keyser water customers to see rate increase on November bills

Sewer rate coming in December

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

KEYSER, W.Va. — The new 3.72 percent emergency interim water rate increase that was approved for Keyser customers by the West Virginia Public Service Commission will appear on the November water bill, Mayor Randy Amtower said during the council meeting Wednesday. The 12.01 percent sewer rate increase that was approved by the PSC won’t show up until the December sewer bill.

“We didn’t dispute that (sewer rate increase); it was less than a percentage point in difference of what we asked for,” said Amtower. “The water is on the billing period and the sewer is on the service date period.”

The city is trying to find multiple revenue sources to fund upgrades to its wastewater treatment facility.

“I just wanted everyone to be aware. It seems like all we are trying to do is raise your rates but we are working on other elements as well,” said Amtower.

The city has made a request to the Maryland Department of the Environment for 13.4 percent in funding for the facility upgrade, which was referred to the Allegany County Department of Public Works, Amtower said.

“That comes off the basis that 13.4 percent of our total sewage comes from the state of Maryland from McCoole as a PSD (public service district),” said Amtower

Mark Yoder, utilities division chief for Allegany County, sent a letter indicating that the department is willing to assist the city.

“We will also prepare any applications required by the state of Maryland,” wrote Yoder. “In general the MDE requires a description of the project, payment limits, annual pounds of nitrogen and phosphorus removed, and project schedule and breakdown of project costs. ... We will need this information from the city.”

The letter has been forwarded to Dunn Engineers, which is in the process of compiling all the requested information, Amtower said.

Amtower also met with U.S. Rep. David McKinley on Thursday to ask for his assistance with the sewer funding because of federal mandates. The new treatment plant will cost $26.2 million and is needed to meet Chesapeake Bay restoration mandates for limits on nitrogen and phosphorus. The current plant can’t meet the limits, which need to be met by Dec. 31, 2015.

“He committed that he would have a sit-down with me and we could go over the elements that are affecting us to talk about the concerns that we have and the needs we have and whatever avenues he may take to assist us,” said Amtower.

In regard to deficiencies in the water account, Karol Ashenfelter, spokeswoman for Keyser Citizens for Fiscal Accountability, asked if they were caused by large businesses not paying their water bills. Amtower indicated that a majority of the deficiencies were from prior water bills that went back some time.

“We have been pretty aggressive with them. Once it hits that second month, Sonny (Gank) hits them with a shutoff,” said Amtower.

 A couple of years ago there were issues with businesses not paying their water bill, according to Gank, manager of the water department.

“Believe me, we are not prejudiced when it comes to shutting people off,” said Gank. “I have shut down some of the biggest establishments in this town.”

Amtower said a few months ago the council voted to follow Public Service Commission regulations, only granting bill adjustments on leaks that are hidden and that can be verified by the water department.

The agenda for Wednesday’s meeting was amended to include an announcement section and will be listed on future agendas, according to Amtower.

“It’s going to be for correspondence that’s transpired or any type of announcements I need to make,” said Amtower.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

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