WASTEWATER FUND
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS:
REVENUE CHANGES:
In accordance with the rate study, the rates for wastewater service remain the same at $9.60 per quarter, generating $13,495,872 in revenue. Capacity fees are expected to generate $209,880 in FY 24. Capacity fees are used to offset debt service costs for Wastewater department capital projects. Service to West Ocean City is budgeted at $767,000. Actual charges for this service in FY 23 were $763,905. Revenue from plumbing permits remain the same, while lab fees are expected to increase in FY 24.
PERSONNEL CHANGES:
Forty-six positions are funded in the Wastewater Fund. Three positions are currently shared with Water: an Office Associate, the Purchasing Technician and a SCADA Technician. A step increase effective January 1, 2024 has been included. Overtime costs are budgeted at $75,900 in FY 24, an increase of $5,000. Benefit costs for retirement and worker’s compensation increase, while the health reserve account has been used to reduce the health insurance cost in FY 24. No contribution to retiree health (OPEB) has been funded.
CHANGES IN OPERATIONS:
Contracted Services include services provided by professional architects and engineers and tipping fees. Credit card fees for online customer payments have been included at $35,000. Tipping fees and land application disposal fees decrease in FY 24, and have been included at $498,936. Permit fees paid to the Maryland Department of the Environment have been budgeted at $6,000. A rate study has been funded in FY 24 to determine fees for the next five fiscal years. Pump rehabilitation for an effluent pump and the artic avenue pump have been funded at $80,000. Building maintenance has been budgeted at $200,000. Included for FY 24 are $35,000 for door/window replacement, $52,500 for HVAC repairs, and a replacement rollup door on the Biosolids building, $25,000. Plant equipment maintenance has been budgeted at $361,785, an increase of $17,825. A Fournier control panel upgrade has been funded at $70,000. Supplies and Materials increase $67,110 in FY 24. Approximately $887,185 of this line item is budgeted to purchase chemicals for wastewater treatment. Lime is included at $206,250 and sodium hypocholorite is included at $219,000. Sodium bisulfite increased to $199,793. Energy cost estimates have been budgeted to decrease. Vehicle fuel and repair cost estimates increase for this department. Intragovernmental allocations for radio equipment lease, insurance, and General Overhead decrease for this fund, while Vehicle Lease costs increase. Debt service increases in FY 24 due to the FY 22 bond issue. Transfer to capital projects includes: 2nd street force main, $501,348; Collection System pipe lining, $750,000; Main repairs, $1,026,000; Ocean outfall inspection and repairs, $200,000; Generator PLC switch upgrade, $171,000; and Montego Bay pump station improvements, $233,983.