WESTMINSTER PREPARING FOR BUDGET INCREASE

Westminster City Council is preparing for a budget increase in utility rates due to city growth and infrastructure improvements. The balanced budget of $41,378,308 includes no changes in millage rates or service reductions.

Infrastructure improvements are being made using city resources and external funding. To cover ongoing improvements and a lawsuit payout, City Administrator Kevin Bronson proposed rate increases for water, electric, sewer, and garbage collection. The lawsuit involved the Piedmont Municipal Power Authority (PMPA), of which Westminster is a member, and was settled for $55 million.

Westminster will be responsible for paying $43,570 through the end of 2024 and then $63,500 annually through 2034 to pay off the interest. At the end, the city will need to make a balloon payment of just more than $1.2 million. The city is planning to set money aside for this payment. Savings could come from the decommissioning costs at the nuclear plant where PMPA gets its power.

The council will hold a public hearing and first reading vote of the budget at its May 14 meeting.