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RIDGELY – Commissioner John Hurley opened a November 9 emergency meeting of the Ridgely Town Commission by announcing that the town would be returning to the original water bill rates, as they continue to work towards a plan for necessary increases. For now, those who have paid last quarter’s water bills will receive a credit on their account for the difference, but Commissioners said they are looking into the feasibility of refunds.
The emergency meeting was a product of last week’s regular Commission meeting, where dozens of residents spoke out about higher-than-expected water bills – in some cases double or triple their usual amount. Commissioner Chad Leister said they decided to return to the original rates so they can take their time in figuring out how to balance what is affordable for residents versus providing enough revenue for Ridgely’s enterprise fund, which is responsible for maintaining the town’s water and sewer system.
Commissioner Brad Sears said that off the top of his head, the annual budgeted deficit for the enterprise fund is around $169,000. He explained that the state mandates this fund be balanced rather than be subsidized by the town’s general fund, which is what the town is doing now, and it also requires a three-month reserve. There is also a question of whether the state will follow through on a one million dollar sewer line replacement grant from the Maryland Department of the Environment if water/sewer rates are not up to par, but Commissioner Sears admitted that the town has received no guidance from MDE on whether the grant is in jeopardy.
About 50 residents attended the November 9 meeting at the Ridgely Volunteer Fire Company’s community hall. “I’m speaking on behalf of everybody…We all understand the rates need to increase. We were blindsided,” said resident Ralph Hurley.
Commissioners Sears and Leister both expressed regret for the rate increase and appreciation for the Ridgely residents who are getting involved now. “By your providing input, the ideas we’ve heard tonight, the ideas we heard Monday night, that helps us do a better job for you,” said Commissioner Sears, “It doesn’t do any good to say I’m sorry, I understand that. All I can say is I very much regret it.” Commissioner Leister said, “I will say having feedback from the residents in a large capacity like this, it's nice… I'm sorry it's for this reason, but thanks everyone for coming out.”
Since last week’s meeting, the Commissioners have worked with two resident advisors, Jamie Romph and Katie Kimble, to figure out a solution to the water bill problem.
Attendees asked several questions of the Commissioners throughout the meeting. From these inquiries, town officials have promised to look into refunding those who would prefer that rather than a credit on their water bill, include the town’s full budget in the monthly meeting minutes going forward, and continue talks with the town’s water meter contractor about customer-accessible ways of monitoring water usage, among other pieces of advice and potential ideas for going about the future increases.
Town Clerk-Treasurer Stephanie Berkey confirmed there will be no penalties or shut-offs this billing cycle, while Director of Operations David Crist advised the crowd that anyone wanting to have their water meter checked can call the town office.
Commissioners expressed that while the rates will still have to go up eventually, they hope to come up with a way to incrementally raise rates and put “people before politics.” They plan to discuss next steps at their December 7 regular meeting, where they will also officially pass the ordinance to return to the original rate structure.
