Sewer/Water rate hike proposed

Shelby City Manager Rick Howell proposed a 5 percent increase in water and sewer rates Thursday night during budget work session with council members.

He said the city’s utilities are bracing for Copeland’s closure. Copeland is the third largest sewer customer and seventh largest water customer.

"We anticipate that line being closed by the end of the year," said Howell.

He said their utility usage continues to decline.

Water (5 percent rate increase proposed)

"The water customer base is flat and overall consumption is excepted to decline slightly. The rate increase recommended is intended to service the issuance of debt for the Westside Water Improvement Project once completed in 2008."

Sewer (5 percent rate increase proposed)

"The sewer customer base is flat and overall usage is excepted to decline slightly. The rate increase recommended is intended to service the issuance of debt for phase one of the Eastside Sewer Project expected to be completed in spring 2008."