Loganville City Council Considering Changes to Tiering of Water Rates

The Loganville City Council is considering proposed changes to the way its water rates are tiered. On one proposal that mirrors the rates currently charged by Walton County, the new rates could marginally lower rates for residents who keep their consumption below 8,000 gallons. On the other hand, it would raise the rates for larger end users thereby giving them an incentive to conserve water, city officials say.

“Hopefully we will be able to offer savings for our residents and encouraging conservation for those on the higher tier,” said Councilman Dan Curry, chairman of the Public Utilities Committee.

Currently Loganville Rates are $6.75 per 1000 gallons for consumption between 2001 – 8000 gallons monthly, $7.65 per 1000 gallons for consumption from 8001 to 70000 gallons monthly and $9.95 per 1000 gallons for consumption over 70000 gallons a month.

One proposal would keep the rate the same up until 8000 gallons, but would cut the second tier down from 8001 to 14000 gallons that would be charged at $7.65 per 1000 gallons.  From 14000 to 20000, the $9.95 per 1000 gallon rate would apply and anything over 20000 gallons would be charged out at $11.50 per 1000 gallons.

If a proposal that mirrors the Walton County rates is approved, however, it would drop the charge from $6.75 to $6.21 per 1000 gallons for consumption between 2001 – 8000 gallons per month. But the rate would go up from $7.65 to $7.75 per 1000 from 8000 to 16000 and then to $12.38 per 1000 for consumption over 16000 gallons.

The sewer rates, which currently run at $5.10 per 1000 gallons, also would be tiered and that rate would apply only to consumption between 2001 and 8000 gallons. Anything over the 8000 gallons would be charged at $6.15 per 1000 gallons between 8001 and 16000, $8 per 1000 gallons for consumption between 16000 and 24000 and $9.10 per 1000 gallons for anything over 24,000 gallons.

The difference would be a net gain of either $42,058.85 or $41,360.33 in water revenue for the city, depending on which proposal is approved, and $22,444.85 on the new tiered system for sewer charges.

The council is expected to vote on the proposed changes at Thursday's City Council meeting.