In its July monthly meeting Tuesday afternoon, the Board of Directors of the Brown County Water Improvement District #1 voted to raise water rates. The new rates will be: $1.7525 per thousand gallons for treated water, an increase of 1.83%; and $1.0284 per thousand gallons for untreated water, an increase of 2.78%. The District currently has no customers buying untreated water, but set the rate in the event that a customer for untreated water comes along.
The increased rates are caused primarily by the increased cost of chemicals used to treat the water, and higher insurance rates. General Manager John Allen said this is the first water rate increase of any significance in at least three years. The new rates will be charged to the various cities and other water districts that buy water from the District. Each of those entities will decide whether or not to raise water rates to their customers.
The Board also voted to approve a budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year of $3,304,150, an increase of 4.28%. As the cost of health insurance has risen, there was a discussion of various possible changes to the District’s health insurance plan in order to save money. Ultimately, however, the Board voted 3-1 to keep the current health insurance plan.
In other business:
*** Allen reported that Zebra mussels were found recently in Cason Cove, bringing to 25 the number found in Lake Brownwood.
*** Allen reported that the lake is currently at 1425.1 feet, or right at spillway level.
*** Accepted a report from Adam Connor, with the engineering firm Freese and Nichols, on the District’s Risk and Resilience Assessment.
*** Allen said the District is still working with Freese and Nichols on a plan for possible water treatment plant expansion, and emergency generators. F & N is recommending four 500-watt generators at an estimated cost of $2.7 million. The District is working with the County on funds from a Federal grant, to possibly pay for the generators.
*** The District is planning to build a 20.-ft x 20-ft. concrete pad adjacent to the Lake Patrol building near the dam, for emergency helicopter use. Currently, if an emergency helicopter is needed in the dam area, it lands in a grass field. That causes problems during inclement weather, and sometimes requires assistance from the volunteer fire department. The concrete landing pad will facilitate faster and improved emergency helicopter service.
(story by Mike Blagg)