Controversy Over Water Rate Changes

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Created on Thursday, 20 March 2014 16:14

Written by Katrina Floranza

LYNDON- The town of Lyndon met earlier this week to discuss the new change in water rates. Some town officials feel the water rate change is for the better, while local residents feel strongly otherwise.

 The previous water rate had generated 80% of revenue from the variable rate on water. The remaining 20% generated from a fixed base rate. However, after meeting together, the town changed the rate formula to 80% of revenue coming from fixed rates and the remaining 20% is now being generated on water sales.

At a Board of Trustees meeting this past Monday night, people of the town of Lyndon were able to attend the meeting and voice their concerns.

Though the rate change has incraesed a significant amount, Dan Hill, Municipal Administrator, explains the intention for increasing the water rate, "We're not building any profit into this. We're just simply trying to come back to a balanced budget."

Getting back to a balanced budget means that for some larger companies, they will be deeply effected. Companies will be charged a quarterly rate of $66 per unit. One unit equals to 44,000 gallons of water.

While the concern came from many business owners, Hill feels as though the change is a necessity, "What that has basically done is put more of a burden on the larger users, which is where it probably belongs." 

Despite the explaination for the water rate change that was given Monday night, residents and business owners still feel as though the water rate changes are unfair.