Southington sewer rate structure changes

Sunday, May 11, 2014 10:46 PM EDT

By BRIAN M. JOHNSON STAFF WRITER

The current system relies exclusively on water used during winter months to calculate bills that estimate customers full-year sewer use. Town Manager Garry Brumback said the council found that approach didnt accurately cover the towns revenue requirements and has triggered frequent, dramatic rate increases every couple of years.

The old rate structure was a manual rate structure based on a whole series of exceptions, he said.

Beginning in the new fiscal year, residents on public water and sewer service can expect to receive quarterly bills that more accurately reflect their actual sewer usage.

Residents using public water and sewers will receive a quarterly bill in two parts: a fixed rate and a variable rate. The fixed rate will be assessed in one of three categories: residential, commercial or industrial. The variable rate will be assessed based on actual water use. In order to close the current funding shortage, the average current rate will increase by 10 percent.

The average cost will be $480 per household, said Brumback.

The new residential annual fixed rate is $180 per household, billed at $45.00 per quarter. The variable rate was reduced from $4.33 to $3 per 100 cubic feet. The commercial annual fixed rate is $250 per establishment, billed at $62.50 per quarter. The variable rate was reduced from $4.33 per 100 cubic feet to $4.20. The industrial annual fixed rate is $250 per establishment, billed at $62.50 per quarter. The variable rate was reduced from $4.33 per 100 cubic feet to $3.30.

Customers using private wells and public sewer will be charged an annual flat rate based on the type of use (residential, commercial, or industrial). These customers will not be assessed a variable rate based on consumption.

The residential annual fixed well rate is $400 per household, billed at $100 per quarter. The commercial annual fixed well rate is $650 per establishment, billed at $162.50 per quarter. The industrial annual fixed well rate is $700 per establishment, billed at $175 per quarter.

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Southington sewer rate structure changes