Maysville approves steep water, sewer rate hikes

The council discussed the situation at a work session last Thursday and approved the rates — contingent upon receiving a Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority loan for $750,000 — at a called meeting after the work session.

While the sewer increase is required to repay the loan, the water rate increase would be put in place to cover an $89,000 shortfall in the water budget. The shortfall has been covered in the past from the general fund, but continuing that course of action will deplete the fund in less than four years, officials report.

Chip McGaughey of EMI said that because the city did not increase the water rates for years until last year’s 15-percent increase, the situation has developed.

Mayor Jerry Baker said the council must either commit now to raising the rates or be forced to raise the rates later when the EPD forces a sewer rehab - at which time the city might not be able to get a GEFA loan.