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Village to Raise Sewer Rates for First Time Since ’83

In November, Clearview residents likely will see their sewer rates increase for the first time since 1983.

The rate increases are tentative, pending approval by the West Virginia Public Service Commission. Council held a public hearing and approved the rate increase, which will take place in two steps, last week.

The first hike of about 17.9 percent will take effect Nov. 4, and will produce an estimated $11,745 annually in additional revenue. The second increase, to take effect after sewer system improvements are made, will produce approximately $8,549 in additional revenue by increasing rates an additional 11.1 percent.

Mayor Charles Reinacher said without a rate increase, the village will not be able to fund both the working capital reserve mandated by law and a reasonable repair and replacement reserve for future capital expenditures required to maintain the sanitary sewer system and also pay for increased operational costs.

After the first increase, the average monthly bill for customers will be $25.43. The second increase will bring average bills to $28.24 per month.

Clearview provides sewer service for more than 250 customers in the village and surrounding area. It purchases services from the city of Wheeling for the transportation, treatment and disposal of wastewater collected by its system. The cost of these services represents the village’s largest expense and are based on rates set by the city in its sewer tariff, which the village cannot control.

Despite prior rate hikes by Wheeling, the increase approved by village council on Sept. 21 is its first in more than 30 years.

The proposed rates may be increased or decreased by Public Service Commission if reviewed upon the filing of a qualified petition by affected customers within 30 days of the ordinance’s adoption. All petitions should be addressed to: Executive Secretary, Public Service Commission of West Virginia, P.O. Box 812, Charleston, WV 25323.

A copy of the proposed rates is available for inspection at the mayor’s office, located at 166 Clearview Ave.

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