Bude sewer tap fees unchanged, water-sewer rates posted

During a Tuesday, March 15 public meeting to address water and sewer rates, Bude town leaders approved a revised fee structure for its residential and commercial services.

On Friday, April 22, Town Clerk Kim Vaughn said, in reviewing the action, officials did not formally adopt a revised sewer tap fee and the associated cost will remain at $750 per previously enacted municipal policies.

“This is to clarify our rates for those who might require a sewer tap now and in the future until the board addresses rates again,” Vaughn said.

Bude’s newly established water and sewer rates included:

• A $1 monthly fee for each customer to fund maintenance of the town’s elevated water tank.

• A $1.50 monthly fee for each customer to fund fire hydrant repairs and upkeep in the municipality.

• The minimum monthly residential water rate was set at $28 for the first 2,000 gallons of usage and $3.75 for each 1,000 gallons consumed beyond the minimum.

• Commercial water rates for small businesses were set at $50 for the first 2,000 gallons and $4 for each 1,000 gallons used over and above the minimum.

Large businesses will be charged $250 for the first 2,000 gallons of water usage and $7.50 for every 1,000 gallons past the minimum.

• Water deposits were also set at $100 for home owners, rental houses and mobile homes.

An additional $25 non-refundable water fee will be charged for those in rental houses and mobile homes.

Small commercial water deposits were established at $150 and large commercial water deposits will now be $250.

• Water tap fees were set based on the size of connections — $350 for 3/4 inch; $650 for full one-inch; $1,200 for full two-inch; and $1,500 for full six-inch.

• Bulk water purchases from the town were established at $50 for the first 1,000 gallons used and $25 for every 1,000 gallons afterwards.

• The minimum monthly sewer fees will now be $12 for the first 2,000 gallons utilized and $3.75 for each 1,000 gallons thereafter.

Sewage volumes are traditionally calculated based on a location’s monthly measured water usage — often referred to a GIGO (gallon in-gallon out).

• Reconnection fees and charges for returned checks were set at $50 each and a late fee of $5 will be assessed to customers who fail to pay their statements prior to the monthly deadline.

• For apartment complexes served by Bude’s water system, aldermen set fees by using the minimum flat consumption rate times the number of units in the development.

• Water customers beyond Bude’s corporate limits will be charged twice the established municipal rates.

Vaughn encouraged those with questions about the rates to contact Bude Town Hall during regular business hours by calling 601-384-2600.