Water rates are determined by the Board of Directors in November each year. The Board reviews the projected new year’s expenses and income to determine any surplus or deficit. These numbers are incorporated into the new budget by resolutions/ordinances adopted by the Board of Directors.
Shareholders are charged an annual rate under the following categories: 1) Cabins with Meters, or 2) Unimproved Lots. These fixed charges cover the costs of maintenance, repair, and improvement of the water system.
The Cabins with Meters base rate is billed at $107.50 (bi-monthly) with the USDA loan billed at $38.50 (bi-monthly). This totals $146.00 every other month. ($876.00 per year.) This rate includes a bi-monthly usage of 700 cubic feet of water (5,236 gallons). The Shareholder will only be billed for additional metered water if they go over the base 700 cubic feet. For every 100 cubic feet used over 700 cubic feet, the Shareholder will be charged $1.90.
The Unimproved Lots base rate is billed at $57.00 (bi-monthly) with the USDA loan billed at $19.25 (bi-monthly). This totals $76.25 every other month. ($457.50 per year.)
On November 8, 2014, the Board of Directors approved a new rate schedule that creates a reduced rate for the second share on lots that have been legally combined. Eligible Shareholders should submit an Application for Combined Lot Rate to the Business Office requesting the reduced rate. The BLSMWC staff will review the Application and determine whether the lot fits the criteria for the reduced rate. If the Application is approved, the rate for the second share on combined lots will be $25.00 per year, billed annually. To be eligible, the Shareholder must be in good standing and will continue to pay full price for one share.
Water meters are read monthly. However, Shareholders are billed bi-monthly. Invoices are mailed out in February, April, June, August, October, and December.