September 26, 2022
Lakengren Water Authority Customer,
With the rising cost of goods and services, plus an aging infrastructure, the LWA must adjust rates to continue providing the community with the level of service you’ve come to expect. There are numerous components of our infrastructure spread across 26 miles of Lakengren roads including: 2 water towers, 4 lift stations, 1400 water meters, well pumps, water delivery pumps, grinder pumps, miles and miles of water lines & sewer lines, plus a water plant, all of which must be maintained. While our recently modernized wastewater treatment plant is not on the aging list, we must be diligent in our maintenance activities to protect this important asset.
During 2022 Lakengren Water Authority did an analysis of our operating costs and anticipated infrastructure expenses. Part of this analysis was a Facilities Appraisal conducted by Mote & Associates. After thorough analysis, we are increasing water and sewer rates for 2023. Effective with your invoice payable on January 15, 2023, the minimum monthly water rate for 3,000 gallons is $37.80 and the monthly flat fee sewer rate is $32.45. A complete schedule of charges for 2023 is also available on this website.
In conjunction with the rate adjustments, several other changes are being made to simplify things. The WTP charge is being eliminated and the availability charge is being lowered to $0.00. The amount you currently pay for these two items on your invoice will be included in your monthly water rate beginning in 2023. These changes are also being implemented to Quarterly unimproved lots invoices.
The following principles guided us in our analysis:
· Provide excellent Water and Sewer service in the most cost-effective manner possible
· Improved lots pay a greater portion of the costs
· Higher usage customers pay a greater portion of the costs
Future increases will be based on economic impacts to our operating costs and asset maintenance costs.
Respectfully,
LWA Board of Trustees
