| The Calhoun County Commission has issued a Freedom of Information request to Wilma Mace, Secretary-Treasurer of the Mt. Zion PSD, in an effort to assess problems and provide public information.
The Mt. Zion PSD has reportedly been experiencing financial difficulties, unconfirmed, and according to sources is looking at a rate increase to take care of the money problems.
Public information, under WV Code, regarding PSD operations is required to be submitted regularly to county commissions, and all PSD records are required to be open to the public.
The commission, at a recent meeting, passed a motion to obtain information from the PSD.
Following a number of complaints from Mt. Zion PSD users regarding the $5.2 million waterline extension, the Calhoun Commission has called for a public meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at the courthouse.
The commission raised concerns at a meeting held earlier this year that the project was stuck during much of 2008 - not obtaining right-of-ways.
The commission employed the county's Administrative Assistant Danielle Stevens, and hired PSD designated worker Norma Collins to obtain the right-of-ways.
The project was unstuck and moved ahead toward bidding.
Now, issues have been raised from contractors regarding the bidding process, some threatening to bring suit against the PSD.
The commissioners are on record saying their primary concern is for the project to move ahead quickly, after years of planning and developing.
COUNTY WATER RATES
The Town of Grantsville is getting a modest $2.33 increase on their sewage rate, which results in customers receiving an $18.37 sewage bill, which is attached to the customers water bill.
Grantsville currently charges $28.20 for 4,500 gallons of water, with a minimum water bill of $9.37.
Public service districts often buy water for distribution, in Calhoun's case, the Pleasant Hill PSD and the Mt. Zion PSD make their purchase from the Grantsville waterworks.
The Pleasant Hill PSD rate, according to the WV Public Service Commission, is $39.93 per 4,500 gallon, with a $17.16 minimum.
According to monthly reports issued by the Pleasant Hill PSD, they are holding their own financially.
The Mt. Zion PSD rate is $36.51 for 4,500 gallons, with a minimum bill of $15.56.
Perhaps the highest water rates in regional counties, the Clay-Roane PSD at $68.90 for 4,500 gallons with a $30.62 minimum.
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