On Monday, May 3, City Manager Harold Owen presented Council with the 2010-11 fiscal year budget for the City’s General and Water Resources funds. The proposed budget holds the line on any tax increases; however, the Water Resources fund asks for a 7% increase in service fees. While actual operating expenses are projected to be down 3% for the year, major infrastructure improvements must be offset. In order to achieve compliance with the State’s newly mandated Jordan Lake Rules, the City is upgrading its wastewater treatment equipment. In addition to the Jordan Lake rules, the City needs to address repair work at two of the City’s dams. Stoney Creek dam has served residents since 1928, while the Lake Cammack dam has been in operation since 1961. The repair work will help mitigate any future risks associated with heavy rains while keeping the structures safe and operable for many years to come.
Even with the increase, the City’s water and sewer rates remain among the lowest in North Carolina. Burlington ranks in the lowest 10% out of 383 North Carolina water utility providers.
Including water, sewer, stormwater and solid waste/recycling; the average customer (6,000 gallons/month) will only see an increase of $2.69 per month. A single person household using 2,500 gallon per month would only see an increase of $1.13. There were no fee increases for stormwater or waste removal.
For additional information on these infrastructure improvements, contact the Burlington Water Resources Department at (336) 222-5133.