A social media post by The 1982 Foundation on Wednesday, March 13th gave customers for the Town of Grantsville some much needed insight on the upcoming rate increase being suggested by the Town of Grantsville.
Below are reports for water cost reported by PSC on March 8. Grantsville City water is $40.12 for 3400 gallons. The same volume of sewer costs $72.90 (the sewer raise kicked in mid last year). A 60% increase in water would take us to $64.19….taking the total cost for water/gas/city service to $147.09. The proposed increase will make the cost of water in Grantsville move up to #312 out of 340 total users. The cost of sewer stands at #290 out of 307. Thus making Grantsville one of the most expensive providers of these utilities in the state. The minimum amounts would be ($18.18 x 60%) +$40.01 +$10.00=$79.10.
Petitions will be available at Mom’s Place Too for customer of Grantsville Town water.
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The question of whether or not the City needs an increase is not so much an issue as the amount of the increase. A sixty percent increase seems excessive. A recent review of the Town of Grantsville’s financial status reflected a $60,000 loss in the water utility fund. The amount of money that would be gained from the 60% increase being requested is $288,000. Far more than would be required to bring the Town solvency and money that would likely be better spent in a location of choice by the Town of Grantsville residents.
The citizens who are involved in questioning the purpose of the rate increase are business owners and leaders who are trying to increase traffic into the Calhoun area as well as restore the population of Calhoun County back to it’s glory years. For two years the group has made strides to remove political strong holds who have oppressed the community into believing positive change couldn’t happen. This type of political manipulation will reverse much of the good that has been done.
Ridgeview News encourages the Grantsville Community to make their way to The 1982 Foundation office at 354 Main Street, or Mom’s Place Too Restuarant and sign the petition. It may not stop the rate increase,
but it will allow the West Virginia Public Service Commission to investigate and see if the need is there and if there are some spending practices that need changed.
