Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is holding two virtual public hearings on its proposed $1.59 billion budget for fiscal year 2023. The hearings, originally scheduled to take place in-person, were changed to a virtual format due to the high number of COVID-19 cases in the region.
Both hearings begin at 7 p.m. Callers will have three minutes each. Here is the information to participate.
Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m.
Watch: Virtual meeting link for viewing
Call-in: 240-800-7929
Conference ID: 525 328 559#
Thursday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.
Watch: Virtual meeting link for viewing
Call-in: 240-800-7929
Conference ID: 302 322 483#
The budget includes significant cuts due to the financial impact of COVID-19. WSSC Water has lost approximately $130 million in revenue during the past two fiscal years, which has required budget cuts of roughly $150 million in FYs 2020 through 2022. One in five customers is past due on their bills, according to WSSC.
The $1.59 billion FY 2023 proposed budget is based on a seven percent average rate increase – requiring $23.1 million in cuts. A WSSC customer who uses 165 gallons of water per day would see an increase of $16.99 quarterly in their bill.
The higher bills would go in effect on July 1.
You can review the budget documents online, here. And if you plan to speak at one of the hearings, an online form is available, here.
Written comments may be submitted by email to budgetgroup@wsscwater.com, or mailed to Budget Division Manager, WSSC Water, 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, MD 20707 by Feb. 15.
Mark your calendar! We’re hosting two virtual public hearings on our preliminary proposed budget next week, Feb 2 and Feb 3. Visit https://t.co/XNc9Fg3yvu to find all the budget info and links to join the meeting. pic.twitter.com/DKb0zpgrZD
— WSSC Water (@WSSCWaterNews) January 24, 2022
