Water and sewer rates will be increasing for Bremen residents beginning July 1.
The Bremen Town Council members opened a public hearing Monday afternoon where Jeff Rowe from Baker Tilly explained the increases to occur.
The water rate increase will be in two phases. The first phase will go into effect July 1, 2021 which includes a $3.40 increase per month for the average residential user. The second phase will go into effect July 1, 2022 which is an increase of $2.64 for the average residential user.
The sewer rate increase will also be in two phases. Rowe said the average residential user will see an increase of $4.60 in the first phase on July 1, 2021 and $3.78 in the second phase on July 1, 2022.
“Our projections were showing that utilities would be spending down cash to levels that would not be appropriate,” said Rowe. “I know the town is still considerate of the economics and the impacts of COVID so it was decided that a two-phase increase would be appropriate in order to generate sufficient revenue to meet all of the revenue requirements and capital needs that are planned.”
Additionally, the ordinances address after-hour service charges for non-emergency calls. After-hour calls during the week and on Saturday will be $70.00 minimum for the first two hours and then $35 for each additional hour. It will be $90.00 on Sundays for the first two hours and then $45 for each additional hour.
No other public comments were given during the public hearing.
The Bremen Town Council members unanimously approved the ordinances on the second and third readings, thus adopting the rate changes. The rates will be reviewed in another five years to determine if more adjustments are warranted.
