Hendersonville announces rate changes associated with new budget

From City of Hendersonville:

Citizens, customers, and partners please be aware that several rates were adjusted in the FY16-17 adopted budget. Please access the City’s Budget and Fee Schedule at hendersonvillenc.gov/budget-2.

Water & Sewer Service Rate Changes

The City of Hendersonville’s water and sewer rates were adjusted in the adopted budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2016 and ending June 30th, 2017. Customers will see an increase ranging from 0.5% to 3.5% on their monthly bill. This equates to an additional $0.37 to $1.41 per month for a 5,000 gallon user. The cost of maintaining the system has increased and is the reason for this adjustment.

We are conscious of how this affects our customers and we will continue to consider affordability in our rate structure. The new rates average 1.62% of the median household income for Henderson County. Please use the adopted Fee Schedule FY16-17 for reference.

Sanitation Service Rate Changes

The City of Hendersonville’s sanitation service rates all increased by $2 in the adopted budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2016 and ending June 30th, 2017.

Type of Service – Monthly Rate

Commercial Recycling Collection (up to four 65 gallon carts emptied once per week) — Old rate $10, New rate $12

Commercial Recycling Collection (up to four 65 gallon carts emptied twice per week) — Old rate $20, New rate $22

Commercial-Business refuse pickup per can (96-gal) — Old rate $25.50, New rate $27.50

Commercial-Business refuse pickup per can (96-gal) (Actively Recycles) — Old rate $22, New rate $24

Residential – 96-gal container (non recycler)  — Old rate $20, New rate $22

Residential – 96-gal container (actively recycles) — Old rate $16.50, New rate $18.50

Residential – 32-gal container (non recycler) — Old rate $18, New rate $20

Residential – 32-gal container (actively recycles) — Old rate $14.24, New rate $16.25

Sanitation services were relying on other revenues sources including its savings, fund balance, to operate. This increase will allow sanitation services to continue at the current service level without risk of depleting its savings.

Stormwater Fee

The City of Hendersonville has adjusted the manner in which it charges for stormwater services. In the past you may have seen a $2 per month “Base Charge” on your bill. This was for stormwater related services. This charge will now show up as a $2 per month “Stormwater Fee” to provide clarity. This fee will now be applied to all water customers in the City and ETJ. The City is required by federal mandate to provide stormwater services to all residents in the City limits and ETJ. The City Manager’s budget message provides further information on the services provided for this charge.

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About Dan Hesse
I grew up outside of Atlanta and moved to WNC in 2001 to attend Montreat College. After college, I worked at NewsRadio 570 WWNC as an anchor/reporter and covered Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners starting in 2004. During that time I also completed WCU's Master of Public Administration program. You can reach me at dhesse@mountainx.com.

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