The Eleanor Town Council voted to increase the town’s sewer rates at its August 21st meeting. The rate increase will generate approximately $158,352 annually in additional revenue. The increase will become effective on October 6th.

A legal notice concerning the rate increase in this issue of the Breeze states that customers with 3,100 gallons per month water usage will see their monthly bill increase by $10.38. A quick calculation reveals that customers currently paying $20.76 will be paying $31.14 in December.

While a 50% is a large increase, $31.14 for 3,100 gallons water usage compares favorably with the cost of sewer service provided by other Putnam County utilities. Cost of sewer service is on the rise countywide.

The Hurricane City Council approved an ordinance increasing sewer rates to customers earlier this year. Hurricane utility customers now pay $44.62 for 3,100 gallon usage and will be paying 10% more in 2026. Putnam PSD customers pay sewer bills of $42.75 for 3,100 gallon usage. Customers of Winfield’s sewer service pay the most ($54.40 per 3,100 gallon usage). Winfield sewer rates are likely to increase by 10% before the end of 2025.

The West Virginia Public Service Commission will approve Eleanor’s 50% rate increase without review unless a petition signed by 25% of the town’s residents requests a review. A review by the PSC may or may not result in a lower rate increase.