Water, Sewer Rates Increase for Town

The town's Commissioners of Public Works has approved a rate increase for water and sewer charges effective Sept. 1. 

It's the first rate increase for the town since June 2008.

The increase will be $1.75 on a monthly water bill and $2.25 on a monthly sewer bill. The increase will be appearing on bills beginning in October.

The commissioners increased the minimum town water bill to $13.75 from $12, and the minimum sewer bill to $21.25 from $19. 
The increase is projected to crease $1.2 million in annual revenue. 

According to a press release by the commissioners, the costs in town are still the lowest in the tricounty. However, this year's budget showed at projected deficit of $430,993. The commissioners also deferred more than $3 million of capital projects. Staff began evaluating the rate increase in May, according to the press release.

The body does not receive any local, state or federal taxes or grants, according to the release. 

Summerville Commissioners of Public Works serves 24,100 homes for water and 18,700 homes for sewer.