Residents Can Address New Fees Tonight

Havre de Grace residents have a chance tonight to voice their support or displeasure with a proposed 10 percent increase in water and sewer fees. The increase would hit July 1 if a new fee structure is approved.

The city's water and sewer commission proposed a series of changes to the water and sewer rates, which have been presented to City Council for approval. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. at to allow residents to discuss the proposed rates.

The proposed changes would affect the cost of water service, the cost of sewer service and the base service charge. If approved, they would go into effect July 1.

The water service rate would be set at $4.35 per 1,000 gallons. The sewer service rate would be set at $6.50 per 1,000 gallons.

The proposed base service charge is in relation to the water meter size and is a quarterly charge that would be applied as follows:

According to the Havre de Grace website, the current rates for city residents include a $13.75 quarterly base fee, a water rate of $3.95 per 1,000 gallons, and a sewer rate of $5.90 per 1,000 gallons.

Businesses would also see increases in their bills because of the base fee hikes.

Approximately 96 percent of the city's 5,000 water meters measure between 5/8 of an inch and 1 inch—and virtually all residences have meters 1 inch or smaller.

Questions about the size of your water meter can be directed to the city's finance office at 410-939-1800.