The local utility commission said it will not raise rates for the new budget that starts on July 1. | Stock Photo
The local utility commission said it will not raise rates for the new budget that starts on July 1. | Stock Photo
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utility Commission will not raise rates for the next year as a way to address community members' financial concerns during COVID-19, city officials said.
The utility's next budget starts on July 1 and will keep water, wastewater and solid waste services flat, the Winston-Salem Journal reported on May 18.
Utilities Director Courtney Driver said the services they provide are essential and added that the effort will protect the most valuable resources.
“Our staff provides essential services to the community while protecting our most valuable natural resources,” she told the Winston-Salem Journal. “We successfully balanced this budget without increasing rates, but it required difficult decisions to temporarily postpone some important projects and equipment purchases. As always, we will continue to update our infrastructure and maintain the highest level of service possible.”
The utility service is self-funded through its rates, the Winston-Salem Journal reported. It has an operating budget of $92.55 million.
Alerts Sign-up