Friday, January 01, 2010
MWA adjusts customer rates for 2010
New policies attempt to make rates more equitable for all customers
Even after implementing minimal rate increases on various charges for water and sewer, the MWA still is expecting to bring in less revenue this year as compared to 2009.
The Macon Water Authority continues to provide clean, safe drinking water to our customers for less than one cent per gallon, despite these difficult economic times.
Just as customers have learned to make do with less during these difficult economic times, so too has the MWA.
Even after implementing minimal rate increases on various charges for water and sewer, the Authority still is expecting to bring in less revenue this year as compared to 2009.
Adjusting rates is not something the Authority takes lightly, notes Frank C. Amerson, Jr., Chairman of the Board for the MWA. In addition, Amerson says the MWA prefers slight, incremental rate increases, if increases are necessary, rather than large rate hikes all at once that more severely impact customer pocket books.
The Macon Water Authority Board of Directors takes seriously its commitment to be good stewards of public assets, adds Amerson, as rates are adopted by following a carefully considered set of principles:
• Maintain a solid financial standing for the operations of the utility.
• Provide an equitable rate structure for all classifications of customers.
• Provide for the rehabilitation of water lines, sewer lines, plants, and related infrastructure.
• Ensure rates are understandable.
“We appreciate the cooperation of all Macon and Bibb County residents in partnering with us to protect water quality, conserve our natural resources, and support ongoing investment in our community’s economic development and quality of life,” says Tony Rojas, Executive Director of the MWA.
The highlights of the rate changes, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2010, include:
1. An increase in consumption charges for water and sewer of 5 cents for all rate classifications of MWA customers in Macon/Bibb County. However, these new rates will amount to an overall increase of less than $1 per month for most residential customers.
2. As for non-residential customers in Macon/Bibb County, the Authority has eliminated the first tier of rates that had provided a 10-cent discount on consumption for each of the first three 100 cubic feet of water and sewer service.
3. The Authority has eliminated the multi-family dwelling unit (apartments) rate classification, but increased its sewer base fees for all classifications of customers with meters that are 1” in size and larger. These new policies will make rates more equitable for all customers of the MWA.
4. Finally, the MWA is reducing its administrative penalty for late payments from $20 to $15.
A complete overview of all MWA water and sewer rates is available on the "Rates, Fees and Charges" page of this Web site (www.maconwater.org).
Media contact:
Dr. Chris Wood
770-757-1681 (cell)
jcwood@uga.edu (email)