WASTEWATER FUND

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY

FISCAL YEAR 2025 PROPOSED BUDGET

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BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS:

REVENUE CHANGES:

In accordance with the 2024 rate study, the rates for wastewater service increase to $10.10 per quarter, generating $13,940,591 in revenue. Capacity fees are expected to generate $248,160 in FY 25. Capacity fees are used to offset debt service costs for Wastewater department capital projects. Service to West Ocean City is budgeted at $800,000. Actual charges for this service in FY 24 were $835,615. Revenue from plumbing permits increases $10,000 and lab fees increase $5,000 in FY 25.

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 and a 3% COLA effective January 1, 2025 have been included. Overtime costs are budgeted at $75,900 in FY 25, the same as FY 24. Benefit costs for health insurance, retirement and unemployment increase, while worker’s compensation decreases. 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 $36,000. Tipping fees and land application disposal fees increase in FY 25, and have been included at $507,800. Permit fees paid to the Maryland Department of the Environment have been budgeted at $6,000. Pump rehabilitation for an effluent pump and the artic avenue pump were funded at $80,000 in FY 24. No comparable projects have been funded in FY 25. Building maintenance has been budgeted at $269,500. Included for FY 25 are $85,000 for water piping replacement, $35,000 for window/door panel replacement, and a replacement rollup door on the Biosolids building, $28,000. Plant equipment maintenance has been budgeted at $613,920, an increase of $252,135. An Effluent pump rehab has been funded at $65,000. A Biosolids blended sludge pump has been funded at $40,000. An effluent pump VFD replacement and a secondary influent pump VFD replacement have been funded at $100,000. Biorem Odor control structural repair with media replacement has been funded at $56,000. Supplies and Materials increase $287,584 in FY 25. Approximately $1,049,364 of this line item is budgeted to purchase chemicals for wastewater treatment. Lime is included at $226,875 and sodium hypocholorite is included at $315,000. Sodium bisulfite increased to $219,772. Energy cost estimates have been budgeted to decrease. Vehicle fuel and repair cost estimates decrease for this department. Intragovernmental allocations for radio equipment lease, insurance, General Overhead, Vehicle Lease, and IT costs increase. Debt service decreases in FY 25. Transfer to capital projects includes: Collection system pipe lining, $350,000; Main repairs, $400,000; and Ocean outfall inspection and repairs, $770,375. Per the rate study, $1,132,769 has been transferred to reserves for future capital projects.