Faced with the prospect that the town may be headed into hot water, fiscally speaking, Turkey’s Board of Commissioners voted in favor of an increase in water rates. Starting in July, up to 2,500 gallons of water will cost in- own residents $15.59; out-of-town residents will be charged $23.23 for the same amount of water.

The increases will continue in the 2010-11 fiscal year, when the rates will increase to $19.87 for 2,500 gallons for in-town residents and $29.80 for out-of-town residents.

However, before the decision was made, mayor Tim Clifton asked accountant Scott Bridgers to explain to the board why such dramatic water rate increases were needed.

Bridgers stated that the budgetary concern comes from the continued transfer of money from general fund to cover the water fund.

At that same meeting, town clerk Sarah White announced that within her prospective budget for 2009-10, she plans to transfer $17,000 from the general fund to the water fund.

Bridgers established that if this trend continues, in three years, the town will have no money.

“In three years, you will be out of the water fund and the general fund,” said Bridgers. And, at that point, he established that the town will not only have to raise the water rate, but t dramatic tax increase will be required.

“If you wait a couple of years, you will have to raise rates much higher,” Bridgers emphasized..

The accountant provided the board with some information on water rate increases that would make it possible for the town to stay afloat.

According to Bridger’s data, the town would need to increase its water rate from $11.10 for up to 2,500 gallons to $19.87 for the same amount. Out-of-town residents would see an increase from $16.65 to $29.80. This hike would be a 79 percent increase across the board.

To support his data, Bridgers explained to the board and to residents attending the meeting that the Local Government Commission insists that “water pay for itself.”

As Bridgers finished his presentation, Clifton commented to the board, “I think it is time that we look at this problem. We don’t want our water system in trouble.”

The thoughts of water rates increasing in Turkey hasleft at least one resident, steaming mad.

George Wright questioned why such a dramatic increase was necessary.

“That is what it would take to make the water fund self-sufficient,” said Bridgers to Wright. “Taking action now is the most prudent action.”

After the discussion, the board got its chance to address the problem.

Commissioner Matthew Boyd said, “You got to raise the rates. That seems to be the only option, isn’t it?”

Commissioner Patricia Tew questioned what the trash rates are, considering that it is part of the water bill as well.

White clarified that the trash fund goes to the general fund.

Commissioner Mike Smith seemed to be very uneasy with having to move the water rate so much.“I don’t think we should raise it that much at one time,” Smith commented, “I can’t see raising it $8 at one time.”

Clifton questioned, “What about raising half one year and half the next?”

Smith clarified that he could not see raising it so high due to the financial strain that some older people, with fixed incomes, are under.

“I understand,” said Clifton.

Tew seemed to agree with Smith, saying, “I don’t think we should raise it all at one time either.”

Boyd, listening to the conversation, chimed in. “I like your suggestion of half this year and half the next.”

With this, commissioner Anita Ezzell asked what if the board looked at the increase over three years.

Bridgers answered, “The longer you wait, the more you will have to transfer (from general fund) later.”

As Bridgers finished, Smith motioned that the town increase the rate over three years rather than two years. Tew seconded it. Both Smith and Tew voted in favor of this choice while Ezzell and Boyd voted against it. Clifton broke the tie by voting against this choice.

With this, commissioner Matthew Boyd motioned for the increase to be over two years. Ezzell seconded it. Ezzell and Boyd voted for it while Smith and Tew voted against it. Again, the mayor broke the tie by voting in favor of this choice.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.