South Blount to increase water rates 7.5 percent
From Staff ReportsOriginally published: November 08. 2008 3:01AM
Last modified: November 07. 2008 11:32PM
South Blount County Utility District will increase water rates 7.5 percent effective in the January 2009 bills.
The result will be an estimated $2.50 increase to the average customer's bill each month.
The rate increase decision was unanimously approved Tuesday by the utility's three-member commission.
"Our district's leadership has been working hard to remain fiscally solvent at a time when the cost of living has gone from 2.5 percent earlier this year to 5.8 percent today," District Manager Harry Durant said in a news release issued Friday.
"The water plant's electricity bill increased an additional 20 percent in just one month, record fuel prices throughout the summer and a tremendous drop in revenue generated from tap fees in our district are also contributing factors," Durant said.
The district's labor costs remain the same, as no raises have been given to its employees nor has there been any additional cost associated with employee benefits, he added.
The district is negotiating for a municipal bond to refinance its debt and lower its debt services. "If we are able to secure a 30-year bond it will provide us with a lower monthly debt payment and provide some breathing room to work with in the coming year," Durant said.
Customers with questions or comments may visit or write to South Blount County Utility District, 808 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37801 or send e-mail to info@southblountutility.org
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