Water and sewer rates for county customers will stay the same next year but could rise in the future, according to Anson County officials.
The Board of Commissioners, during a budget meeting Monday, April 16, accepted the recommendation of public utilities director Mike Sessions and decided by unanimous vote to leave the rates unchanged for another year.
According to information collected by Sessions, the minimum water bill in Anson is $11 per month, which compares to about $13.76 statewide. The monthly bill for a typical customer consuming 5,000 gallons of water is $22.04 per month in Anson, which compares to $28.02 statewide, according to Sessions. “Any way we look at it water in Anson County is reasonably priced and a very good deal,” stated Sessions.
County Manager Lawrence Gatewood added that the utilities department has done an excellent job of controlling expenses which has allowed the county to keep water rates flat since 2008. “However,” Gatewood said, “we plan to recommend an increase in water rates beginning in July 2013.”
He added that he’s not a fan of raising prices, especially in this tough economy. “Still, we need to continue to upgrade and repair our aging water system to ensure reliable water supplies and the highest quality standards.”
Sessions stated that Anson County will install 5.8 miles of water lines during this fiscal year and plans to install another 6.8 miles of water lines during fiscal year 2012-13.
The utilities department is self-supported through user fees and neither the water nor sewer affects the county’s tax rate.
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