Day-to-day operating costs to maintain facilities and infrastructure increase just like everything else. When these systems require significant upgrades, costs may increase even faster.

In order to stay on top of utility rates and system needs, a regular review of both is a good business practice. In early April, the City Council received the results of such a review by Tuckfield & Associates – a firm that specializes in utility studies.

Historically, water rates were last adjusted nearly 13 years ago in 1992, with sewer rates adjusted in 1997. Storm drainage fees have never been established.

Given this history, perhaps it is not surprising that the Tuckfield study found, preliminarily, that water rates could be expected to increase significantly – upwards of 33% - if corrections are not made to better account for actual water usage. Sewer rates, on the other hand, appear to be in-line. Storm drainage fees – if the Council decides to entertain such a levy - are expected to be in the range of $1.46 per 1,000 square feet of residential space. Actual rate increases are dependent upon a number of assumptions and variables.

No one favors utility rate increases, but at the same time, most recognize the need to maintain the utility systems that provide clean water, collect and treat sewerage, and funnel storm water back into the aquifer.

Special Town Hall Meeting - May 2005

The City Council will be making decisions about utility rates (water, sewer and storm drainage) for the upcoming fiscal year.

Come out and join the discussion - public input is critical!

As of press time, the exact date of the Town Hall Meeting has not been set by Council. Check www.grover.org, Channel 20 or call City Hall at 473-4567 for specifics.