The James Island Public Service District’s mission is to minimize rate increases while continuing to maximize high quality, environmentally safe wastewater services. However, increased operating costs and capital projects, involving the repairs and replacements of an aging infrastructure as well as increased wastewater treatment costs, have caused the District to review the current wastewater rates to meet the needs of the system moving forward. Some major projects, both underway and in the next five years, are needed to replace failing infrastructure while others have been initiated by new debt service obligations and increased energy, labor cost, fuel, and chemical costs.
On May 24, 2021, the District’s Commission voted to adjust the current wastewater rates and rate structure of the District. The change in rate structure may result in a slightly higher bill for some residents.
***There will no longer be a residential cap on wastewater bills – previously 16 ccfs***
There were two meetings and a public hearing held to discuss the rate increases. The Commission approved these rates on May 24, 2021 and the rates will be reflected in the July 2021 bill. We know this will be an uncomfortable and unpopular adjustment, but it is critical to update and maintain the District’s aging wastewater infrastructure. The cost to operate and maintain our wastewater system continues to increase more each year, and the District must continue to evaluate the wastewater rate structure on an annual basis.
Best regards,
Dave Schaeffer
District Manager