Public hearing scheduled for SGI water rate increase

There will be a public hearing on St. George Island later this month so water customers on the island can comment on a requested water rate increase.

Water Management Services, which serves about 1800 customers on St. George Island is asking for a rate increase as well as increases in meter installation charges, late payment charges and the amount the company can charge for bad checks.

The company says it needs increased revenue to make up for an operational shortfall and to replace much of its infrastructure which has reached the end of its useful life.

The company is especially concerned about an underground storage tank which is literally crumbling and is subject to catastrophic failure which could leave the island without potable water for a long period of time.

The water company has asked that it be allowed to increase its total billing by nearly 715 thousand dollars.

This week the Public Service Commission decided to allow the company to move forward on their rate increase request using what is called a Proposed Agency Action process which tends to speed up the process.

It does not require a formal hearing, which a standard rate case does.

The Proposed Agency Action process does give water customers two chances to speak out.

The first chance will be at a public meeting that has been scheduled for April the 25^th at 6 Pm at the Pine Street Fire Station.

If you would like to see the full rate increase request and decide how it will impact you, we have posted it on the news page at oysterradio.com.

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