In 2020, Elderville Water Supply Corporation celebrated its 53^rd year in existence, having been incorporated in 1967.  Elderville WSC has always taken great pride in providing a high level of service to its customers, while attempting to maintain and upgrade aging infrastructure.  Over the past several years, expenses incurred by Elderville WSC, which are related to repairs and maintenance of the existing infrastructure, have outpaced Elderville WSC’s ability to continue to adequately fund maintenance and improvement projects.  Increased population growth in our area has also impacted Elderville WSC with the need to meet greater customer demand, which means larger water lines as more capacity is required to service our customer base.  As our membership and connections continue to increase within our service area, Elderville WSC will need to meet the demand with new capital improvement projects.  We anticipate that Elderville WSC will need to purchase new equipment, improve wells and tanks, and install new meters throughout the system in the very near future to meet the needs of our customers associated with potential growth.  Coupled with increases in basic expenses, such as fuel, utilities and materials, Elderville WSC’s operating and maintenance expenses continue to increase and outpace our revenue. Compounding these expenses is the dependence on City of Longview water and their annual rate increases. We are continually seeking ways to reduce the purchase of water from the City of Longview while maintaining quality water for our members.  Unfortunately, the current rate structure for Elderville WSC, which has not been changed since August 17, 2009, is not sustainable and does not meet our current or future needs.  With that in mind, on August 25^th, 2020, the Board of Directors met and discussed these issues and unanimously voted to approve a rate increase.   

The new rates will be implemented starting October 1, 2020.  Customers will see the new rates reflected on their water bills due November 10, 2020.  Elderville WSC will adopt a new base rate at $25.70 per month.  For those Members who use less than 2,000 gallons of water per month, the result of the rate change will be an increase of $5.70 to your monthly bill.  For Members using more than 2,000 gallons per month, that usage will be priced in accordance with the tier structure, as set forth in the chart, below. The Board of Directors also approved the addition of a 0.5% Regulatory Assessment Fee, which fee will be implemented beginning October 1, 2020.  The fee is a pass-through fee and will cover fees and assessments charged to Elderville WSC, on a yearly basis, by the TCEQ.  The addition of the fee was recommended by the Texas Rural Water Association and will be reflected on Member's water bills on a monthly basis.  On an average water bill of $25.70, the fee would total 12.8 cents.

The decision to raise rates was not taken lightly and the Board of Directors and staff of Elderville WSC have worked on this issue for a little over a year.  This rate change will be the first for Elderville WSC in 11 years.  This has been a cooperative effort that has included the Board of Directors, Elderville WSC staff, retained professionals and the help and guidance of the Texas Rural Water Association.

The base rate listed is for a 5/8 x 3/4 meter. The base rate for larger meters will increase proportionately.

If you have any questions regarding the new rate structure, please contact Elderville WSC staff by using the phone number or email address above.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors

Elderville Water Supply Corporation