Officials: Water rate increase will build needed reserves

by Tom Chillemi –

A real estate tax rate decrease and an 8.5% increase in water rates are being proposed for Urbanna.

The finance committee of the Urbanna Town Council is recommending a two-cent reduction to the real estate tax rate to 21 cents per $100. However, this would result in a town revenue increase of about $27,000, explained the finance committee chairman, Councilor Bill Goldsmith. The rate is being reduced because property valuations increased due to the Middlesex County reassessment that took effect with this budget.

The finance committee is recommending water rates increase about 8.5%, said Goldsmith.
A public hearing has been set by the town council for Thursday, June 9, at 7 p.m. at the new town hall located at 380 Virginia St., Suite B.

Water fund
In-town rates would rise from $39.70 to $43.07 for the minimum usage of 6,000 gallons in two months, and $4 per 1,000 gallons above the minimum, an increase from $3.69.

Out-of-town water rates would increase from $76.57 to $83.08 for the minimum usage of 6,000 gallons in two months, and $8 per 1,000 gallons above the minimum, an increase from $7.37. The water fund revenue will increase to $320,000.

The current 2021-2022 water fund was set at $290,000, and already has received $292,000 in revenue during the fiscal year…