Revenue loss could be dire for sewer authority

The financial reserves of the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority are dwindling to a dire level, in the view of a financial service company retained to evaluate.  A presentation by Willdan Financial Services highlighted the December meeting of the JRSA policy board.  The inability of the sewer authority to square expenses with revenues appears to be worsened by return of millions in what then were excess monies to the member cities, as well as reluctance to press the three member cities to accept higher treatment charges.  Two Willdan officials suggested that, in spite of a politically unpopular move, it’s time for Seneca, Walhalla, and Westminster to pay more.  It’s believed there hasn’t been a rate increase to the member cities for six or seven years.  And Commissioner Tally Grant conceded last night that the JRSA board is guilty of short-sightedness in failing to increase rates incrementally to avoid what could be sticker shock to the city councils that govern the member cities.