No Alternate Sources for Water System Funds
Last modified on September 30th, 2022 at 11:36 am
Update: on September 15, 2022, council imposed the recommended water-rate increase, effective immediately.
Council is considering an emergency water-rate increase recommended by the Elkins Water Board.
Some customers have asked if there is any other way the water system can obtain the funds it needs to continue operations. For example, could sales-tax proceeds be used?
The short answer is no. West Virginia utilities are required to be run as self-supporting, standalone businesses, supported by rates paid by customers. Utilities are prohibited from accessing tax and other revenues from a city’s General Fund. See the below graphic for more information.
- More about governmental fund accounting: https://cityofelkinswv.com/government/treasurer/explainer-governmental-vs-proprietary-funds/
- Water rate FAQ: https://cityofelkinswv.com/2022-water-rate-increase/
Explainer: What’s a “Canvass”?
On Monday, at 11 a.m., the Elkins council will convene in public session at the Phil Gainer Community Center as the Elkins Board of Canvassers. The purpose of the meeting is to canvass the election that was held Tuesday.
What does it mean to “canvass the election”? (more…)