INCREASED RATES – New Cumberland Council convened in regular session Monday approving the final readings of ordinances to increase water and sewer rates in the city. -- Craig Howell

NEW CUMBERLAND — New Cumberland’s water and sewer rates are set to increase following Monday’s city council meeting.

Council voted 3-0 on the second readings of Ordinance 25-003 and 25-004, giving their final approval to the utility increases. Members Jo Ellen Kessel, Penny Spilecki, and Missy Perkins were in attendance.

In answer to a question from residents in attendance, Mayor Will White explained the rate increases have been developed as a result of findings from the state of inadequate monetary reserves for the city’s water and sewer services.

“For approximately three years now we’ve been written up through our audit,” White noted, adding the city is required to have a set amount of funding in support of existing bonds.

Following Monday’s vote, New Cumberland’s water rates are set to increase from current levels of $12.44 per 1,000 gallons to $16.17 per 1,000 gallons, with a minimum monthly billing set to increase from $24.88 to $32.34 per month. The monthly minimum is the equivalent of 2,000 gallons.

In addition, the city’s water resale rate would be increased from $3.05 per 1,000 gallons to $3.55 per 1,000 gallons, and a leak adjustment would go from $2.25 per 1,000 gallons to $3.25 per 1,000 gallons.

Fire protection rates also are set to increase.

Sewer rates, meanwhile, will have an increase in their minimum charge from $35.42 to $41.80, with a cost of $20.90 for each additional 1,000 gallons.

Bulk treatment rates would increase from $3.50 per 1,000 gallons to $4 per 1,000 gallons, and leak adjustment rates would go from $2.25 per 1,000 gallons to $3.25 per 1,000 gallons.

Other fees included in the rates – delayed payment penalties, tap fees, administrative fees, returned check charges, and security deposits – are set to remain the same.

Resident Christian Thaman asked if it would be possible to set a higher rate for businesses, or to increase only the business rate, but attorney Thomas Decapio explained the process is set by the West Virginia Public Service Commission.

“Typically, they want it raised across the board,” he said.

Another resident suggested setting the minimum billing based on 3,000 gallons, suggesting it might reduce the rate of increase, but members of council noted that would actually increase the monthly billing as the rate is still based on 1,000 gallons used.

The new rates would go into effect 45 days after their final passage. White explained the last time the city increased its utility rates was 2020.

In other business, council also approved the second reading of Ordinance 2025-005, abandoning a portion of Jackson Street, between North Chester Street and Commerce Street. A 15-foot easement, through the middle of the street, would remain to allow the city to access existing utility lines.

New Cumberland Council will next meet at 5 p.m., Sept. 2.