Commissioner scolds residents for causing stir over water rates

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - As Carroll increased next year’s water and sewer rates, one commissioner scolded Freedom-area residents for causing a stir over bills they call exorbitant.

“I think there’s a misperception out there that this is a way for the county to make extra money,” Commissioner Dean Minnich said, calling out residents who live near Sykesville.

“There’s no big slush pile of money left at the end of the year.”

Commissioners voted 3-0 Tuesday afternoon to bump water and sewer bills for the average home in Carroll next year by about $5 per quarter, bringing average costs to about $896 a year.

Officials said it was a “modest” increase that will keep water flowing to homes and revenue equal with inflating costs.

“The rates are generally based on the needs,” Comptroller Rob Burk said. “It certainly in no way accumulates large amounts over a period of time.”

Most affected by the increase are residents in the Freedom area, outside Sykesville. They have called for the county to form a water advisory board that would include residents from their area to help determine the rates.

Burk said the county was in the early stages of putting together an advisory board, but it may take a few years for the board to be effective because of a steep learning curve.

Minnich remained skeptical that the board would be effective at all in lowering bills.

“I think that someone needs to tip them off that that might not be possible,” Minnich said. “There’s very little wiggle room.”

Burk added that Carroll’s spread-out structure makes water and sewer more expensive to get to each house.

Commissioner Michael Zimmer expressed support for an advisory board but emphasized that its suggestions would not have teeth.

“An advisory group with the public, I think, would be very helpful,” Zimmer said. “But again, it’s advice.”

msilvestri@baltimoreexaminer.com

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