Bruceton’s new electronic water meters may have been funded through grant money, but they still come at a cost. In an effort to recoup that cost, the Board of Aldermen approved a water and sewer connection fee increase on the first reading at their August 12 meeting.
They also finalized the town’s property tax rate, recognized Central Elementary students for their accomplishments at the Beta Convention, and other measures.
Water/Sewer Fee Increase
The fee increase mainly applies to brand new service taps, such as what would be required for a new construction. But also raised other, more common fees as well.
Bruceton Recorder Annie Hand said the increase was necessary because of state rules requiring towns to set aside cash reserves to replace equipment purchased with federal dollars.
“It’s not really free money, because you have to depreciate it,” she explained. “These new meters cost about $350 each compared to $69 for the old mechanical meters, so the fees had to go up on new installations.”
Even though the town purchased all new water meters with the ARPA grant, they now have to set aside the total cost of those meters in their cash reserves. This ties up
A new residential sewer tap will now cost $500.
Water taps were set at $800 for a ¾-inch connection, $850 for a 1-inch, and $975 for anything larger. Secondary water meter taps were set at $425.
Reconnection fees rose to $50, and returned payment fees increased to $30.
Processing fees will be $50 for homeowners and $200 for renters, while secondary water meter processing fees will be $50 for property owners and $100 for renters.
Property Taxes
The board also passed the second reading of the new property tax rate, setting it at $1.70 per $100 of assessed value.
Before the countywide reappraisal, Bruceton’s rate was $2.20.
After reassessment, the Carroll County Board of Equalization certified a revenue-neutral rate of $1.3396. That figure is meant to bring in roughly the same revenue as before.
By setting the rate at $1.70, Bruceton opted for a levy nearly 27 percent above the certified neutral rate.
At Bruceton’s July meeting, Recorder Hand acknowledged that many residents could see higher bills, especially those whose property values increased sharply.
“We’re expecting a lot more delinquencies than we normally have, because people’s property values have gone up,” she said. “If we collect 90%, we’ll be doing very well this coming year.”
Elementary Beta Recognition
Mayor Robert T. Keeton III presented a proclamation to Hollow Rock–Bruceton Central Elementary Beta Club members Ariella Hall and KayLynn Barrett, who won the National Beta Club Championship in the Variety Act category at this summer’s convention in Orlando, Florida.
The proclamation, co-signed by the Board of Aldermen, commended the girls for representing the community “in such a positive way” and recognized their teachers, Sarah Page and DeAnna Klamm, for encouraging and supporting their talents.
“The accomplishments of Ariella Hall and Kaylynn Barrett are admired and respected by the Bruceton community,” the proclamation read, and said that their success demonstrates the character of local students.
Other Business
The board approved a $10,990 grant-funded purchase of firefighter gear and a thermal imaging camera for the volunteer fire department.
Aldermen also voted to provide donations to Central High School’s football team and marching band.
Mayor Keeton reported that Republic Services representatives had pledged improvements in garbage collection following complaints about recent service delays.
He also said the town continues to reach out to grocery store chains in hopes of attracting a store to Bruceton.
In later comments, Recorder Hand noted that there is a need among residents, particularly older citizens, who prefer not to travel to Camden or Huntingdon for groceries.
