Also posted today:
http://www.bcwari.com/bcwa/
http://www.bcwari.com/bcwa/boardofdirectorsagenda
THE BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY is considering a 12% Rate Increase for fiscal year 2014 (beginning March 2013), followed by a 4% revenue increase in FY 2015, a 4% revenue increase in FY 2016, a 4% revenue increase in FY 2017 and a 4% revenue increase in FY 2018. A 12% rate increase would result in an approximate $4 per month increase to the average residential bill.
The Board has based this revenue increase on the 5 year Strategic Plan requirements:
1. Maintain a secure source of high quality water
The Child St. water treatment plant is to be utilized only for emergency back-up until an alternate supply from Pawtucket Water can be available. Cost reductions on only maintaining the plant and supplies has been incorporated in the 5 year plan, as well as costs for the Pawtucket supply.
2. Adopt a plan to support long and short term infrastructure needs
A 20 year capital plan was developed (includes 5 and 10 year plans) to maintain water quality and system reliability: cleaning & lining and replacement of water mains, secondary supply, pumping control systems and instrumentation, pump station upgrades, tank mixing systems, water system pressure improvements, equipment to improve operation efficiency, etc.
3. Improve data management systems
Replace obsolete financial and customer service systems with integrated financial work order, data collection and field information systems.
4. Ensure financial stability
Instituted aggressive cost reduction program and rate study to increase revenues. Created a financial model to reduce future rate increases to a minimum for the next 10 years.
5. Improve customer relations
Record Board meetings, improve response to customer issues, and improve metering and customer access to information, extend customer service hours.
The 12% increase reflects:
- Utility cost increases (electric, gas, fuel)
- 3 additional positions (from 5 vacant))
- The initiation of the Capital/ Infrastructure Replacement Plan)
- Data management system)
- Pension fund obligation)
- Post retirement benefit reserve)
- Conservation revenue decrease
A Public Hearing is scheduled for January 3, 2013 at 6:00 pm at the Warren Town Hall, Council Chambers, 514 Main St, Warren
A Board meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2013 at 5:15 pm at the Bristol County Water Authority, 450 Child St, Warren
Wonder how much they are adding to the budget to record the meetings? They felt $40.00 a meeting was an exorbitant amount to be paying the high school students.
They may be utilizing the Child Street plant only for emergency back-up.... but they still plan to hire another union operator???
Please explain the inappropriate content below.
