OOLITIC — Facing a significant financial shortfall and nearly 15 years of stagnant rates, the Oolitic Town Council has announced proposed price hikes for sewer, stormwater, and trash collection services. Council members stated that while they are reluctant to increase costs for residents, the adjustments are necessary for the town’s utilities to remain solvent.
“No one, especially this council, wants to increase the utility costs to residents,” said Jon Broglin, Vice President at Large. “However, for all the town’s utilities to remain solvent, the council has no choice.
A public hearing to discuss these increases is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, at 6:30 p.m. EDT at the Oolitic Town Hall.
Sewer Rates: First Increase Since 2011
The most significant long-term gap identified by the Council is in the sewer department, which has not seen a rate increase since April 2011. To address rising operational costs, the town is proposing a 40% increase.
- New Minimum Charge: The minimum monthly sewer bill would rise from $24.80 to $34.72.
- Justification: Over the last five years, town data shows an average annual loss of $74,748.38 in the sewer fund. Total expenses between 2021 and 2025 reached over $1.67 million, while revenue trailed at roughly $1.29 million.
- Infrastructure Needs: Officials noted that major updates to plants and pipes last occurred in 2012, and many components are reaching the end of their 14-year lifespan. Moving forward, the Council proposes smaller annual or biennial increases of 2–4% to align with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and avoid future “huge hikes”.
Sanitation and Trash Collection
The cost of household trash collection is slated to increase by 65%, from $10.00 to $16.50 per month.
- Operational Shifts: The town was forced to outsource trash collection to 812 Disposal in January 2024 after the town’s compactor became irreparable. That contract was later bought out by InBox Waste Solutions in August 2025.
- Rising Contract Costs: Monthly contract costs have risen from $3,000 to $4,000 and are projected to hit $5,804.50 by June 2026.
- Budget Deficit: The sanitation fund currently faces a nearly 27% shortfall, with a five-year average annual loss of $15,342.42.
Stormwater Infrastructure
Stormwater fees, last adjusted in 2021, are proposed to rise from $10.00 to $14.00 per month.
The Council stated that the 40% increase is intended to absorb five years of cost increases and establish a “rainy day fund” to repair deteriorating underground pipes and install new drains. For the town’s approximately 470 customers, this increase would generate an estimated $78,960 in annual revenue for infrastructure projects.
Beyond the immediate hikes, the Council is adopting a new policy to review all utility rates annually. By conducting yearly audits of the “cost of doing business,” officials hope to implement gradual increases that mirror inflation and cost-of-living adjustments rather than the decade-long gaps that led to the current proposal.
Residents are encouraged to attend the April 29 hearing to provide feedback before the Council takes a final vote on the measures.
- Brenda Corey – President at Large – term ending December 2027
- Jon Broglin – Vice President at Large – term ending December 2027
- John Dillon – Council at Large – term ending December 2027
- Steve Kerr – Council at Large – term ending December 2027
- Carl Baker – Council at Large – term ending December 2027
