Utility rates increase in Asheboro

ASHEBORO — Asheboro residents are receiving a taste of heightened fees for utilities.

The rate increases on water and sewer bills have been reflected on recent billings.

The Asheboro City Council approved the boosted rates in June, but delayed the implementation of higher fees for several months so residents would have time to prepare for increases in fees. The new charges first came on November bills.

Based on data from the city, a 5% rate increase and meter-based fees equates to an additional $17.16 per month on bills for the city’s average residential customer.

The updated charges are based on water and sewer consumption along with charges needed for upcoming system improvements.

City officials said that the boost in rates is necessary to provide revenue to operate the series from the Water Resources Division. There also will be upcoming infrastructure projects.

City manager Donald Duncan, who came on the job earlier this year, said the city did a good job planning for what’s ahead.

“(Staff) worked collaboratively to fund this life-giving system service is a manner that will keep it affordable even as our fuel, chemical, and operational costs continue to face inflationary pressures,” Duncan said.

Information from the city points out that Asheboro is required to keep utility funding at a level where the system can be managed independently from the general fund and can cover costs related to operation, maintenance and debt service. This is mandated by the state in order for Asheboro to maintain local control and decision making on the utilities, according to the city.

“We constantly evaluate the system’s ‘needs and wants’ and make sure we’re smart about how and where we invest, mindful that every decision affects our rate payers,” Duncan said.

The city reports that critical enhancements are needed for the 55-year-old waste-water treatment plant and 86-year-old water treatment plant.

City officials said there was a campaign to remind residents that the new charges would be coming. Asheboro serves about 30,000 residents.