WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, Maryland 20707-5902. (301) 206-8100. Fax:(301) 206-8186. E-Mail:communications@wsscwater.com

WSSC Votes to Transmit Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Proposal to
Montgomery, Prince George’s Counties

Budget Proposal Targets Increasing Operational Costs;
Commissioners Agree to Continued Dialogue on Funding for Infrastructure Renewal

LAUREL, MD, FEBRUARY 29: The Commissioners of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) voted last night to transmit to the Montgomery and Prince George’s County Executives a budget for Fiscal Year 2009 that addresses WSSC’s increasing operational costs and calls for continued dialogue on funding the renewal of its infrastructure. Included in the proposal is an 8.0% rate increase to pay for escalating prices for operational necessities, such as power, chemicals and fuel, as well as the replacement of 27 miles of water mains and 51 miles of sewer mains that are in the existing approved Capital Improvements Program. The rate increase will add approximately $3.75 per month to the average residential customer’s bill.

Today’s proposal differs from the preliminary budget submitted for public review and comment last December. It called for a 9.5% rate increase and an Infrastructure Renewal Fee the equivalent of $20 a month for the average residential customer. Following two public hearings and a series of community meetings, WSSC Commissioners evaluated the response from the public and revised their initial proposal.

The reduction in the rate increase from 9.5% to 8.0% will not result in any cuts from the original proposed budget. The roughly 5.6 million dollar difference between the two proposals will be bridged by funds from WSSC’s Fund Balance (cash reserves). The budget does not include the Infrastructure Renewal Fee, which would have increased the rate at which WSSC replaces its aging underground pipes. The Commissioners acknowledged the need for infrastructure renewal and agreed to continued dialogue on how to fund WSSC’s infrastructure replacement needs.

The vote on the final proposal was 4-2. Commission Chair Adrienne A. Mandel, Commissioner Gene W. Counihan, Commissioner Norman E. Pruitt and Commissioner Prem P. Agarwal voted for the final proposal. Commission Vice Chair Joyce Starks and Commissioner Juanita D. Miller voted against the measure.

The proposal will now be transmitted to the Montgomery and Prince George’s County Executives. Each county will hold public hearings and both county councils will vote on the budget in May.

###

WSSC is the 8th largest water and wastewater utility in the nation, serving nearly 1.8 million residents in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. We operate and maintain seven water and wastewater plants, nearly 5,500 miles of fresh water pipeline and more than 5,300 miles of sewer pipeline. In our 89-year history, we have never had a drinking water quality violation.