Inflation, Expenses Influence Water Rates

The City of Cumberland will have to raise water rates for the third year in a row to keep up with increasing costs.  Over the past two years, water rates have seen increases of 20% to keep up with inherent costs of operating the water treatment facility. Mayor Ray Morriss said inflation is a major contributor to this year’s 8% rate adjustment…

 

“The biggest expense we have out at the water treatment facility is our monthly electric bill. Plus, all the chemicals and things that are used to the water – that’s the big increase in cost. A slight increase in employee wages. When you think about the water treatment facility, there are twelve people that run that facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”