Milton considers water fee hikes

Milton officials are considering raising water fees, including steep rise in connection charges and a modest rise in quarterly user rates.

Water Committee Chairman John “Jack” Bushey outlined the proposed increases during a July 13 meeting. Water impact fees – the cost for new users to connect to Milton's water system – would be raised 38 percent, from $1,450 to $2,000. Quarterly user rates would increase 17 percent, from $3 per 1,000 gallons to $3.50 per 1,000 gallons.

“It would probably be about a $10 to $12 increase per household per quarter,” Bushey said.

The town's water committee has been reviewing rates for months and has asked council to approve the increases when the budget is adopted. Council will soon begin reviewing the fiscal year 2018 budget, which spans Oct. 1 through Sept. 30.

Water availability rates also would increase, from $35 to $40 for local residents, and from $70 to $80 of out-of-town users.

Bushey said the committee reviewed rate outlooks through 2022, and found increases are necessary to maintain the system.

“If we don't raise our current rates based on a projected increase of 3 percent per year, we could end up in a deficit, and we would like to avoid that,” he said.

Milton Mayor Ted Kanakos said a review of water rates in other nearby towns found Milton has pretty low prices.

“Just about every town has a higher water usage,” Kanakos said, adding that town officials reached out to 24 municipalities in Sussex County for comparison. “If you use Tidewater or Artesian, their price is close to $7.80 per 1,000 gallons. When ours is going up to $3.50, it's still quite reasonable.”

The proposed rate hikes are expected to be reviewed and voted on at council's next monthly meeting, at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 7, at the Milton library. For more, go to milton.delaware.gov or call 302-684-4110.