Bainbridge to raise water rates 60 percent over three years

BAINBRIDGE — The resolution to increase water rates was formally approved by the Bainbridge Town Council after first being proposed in January.

The 60-percent increase will be spread out in increments of 20 percent over the next three years, with the first increase to be reflected on customers’ bills in as early as six weeks.

The town council and utility board also discussed an additional two-percent increase per year following the completion of the initial 60-percent raise in water rates.

Furthermore, an extensive usage study was presented to the Bainbridge Utility Board by Water Superintendent Eric Gibson outlining the town’s average monthly water usage. Data from this study will be used to help determine an appropriate and profitable raise in rates for customers outside of town limits looking to purchase bulk gallons of “unmetered” water.

In other news:

• Bainbridge will begin spending funds it received from The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), federal legislation helping communities across the country recover budget shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The town plans to use part of the ARPA funds to purchase 200 water meters, a high speed pump and other various pieces of equipment for utilities.