The mayor says the decision was not made lightly and warned the town could face serious consequences if no action is taken.
NORWAY, S.C. — Norway Town Council is considering higher water and sewer rates as leaders warn the current system is not financially sustainable.
Monday night, council held a special meeting to discuss an ordinance that would raise rates.
If approved, the plan would increase the town’s annual adjustment from three percent to five percent and add a flat monthly increase beginning April 1.
For most residential customers, that means higher base rates depending on meter size.
“It depends on the size meter you have. It’s going up for residential from $18 to $22 a month. That’s your basic for a three-quarter-inch meter. The wastewater rate is going up to $31 for a three-quarter-inch meter. Out-of-town residents, it’s going up to $35 for your base rate for water and $45 for your sewer,” said Mayor Lynn Garrick.
Town leaders say the proposed changes are based on a professional water and sewer study conducted by American Engineering.
“American Engineering came in and did the water and sewer study, and this is what they have come back with, proposed for us to become viable, and so this is the reason for the rate increase,” Garrick said.
The mayor says the decision was not made lightly and warned the town could face serious consequences if no action is taken.
“We have the best interest of the town at heart. This is not something that has been taken lightly. This is not something that we want to do, but the next step, if this is not done, is not pretty for the town of Norway,” she said.
Some residents say they understand the need for the increase but hope it leads to improvements.
“I’m OK with it. I would like to see improvements for the rate increase, and the town needs it,” said Norway resident John Polite.
The second and final reading is scheduled for next Monday at 6 p.m. at Norway Town Hall. If approved, the new rates would take effect April 1.