FAIRMONT — Rivesville water customers will soon be feeling the financial effects of Fairmont’s 49 percent rate increase.
And although customers will be paying higher bills as a result, there is a positive light in the fact that it will help the significant deficit that the town’s water fund is currently operating on.
Almost two weeks ago, town council members passed an ordinance to raise the average residential customer bill 5.47 percent in the interim, to be followed by a total 33.67 percent increase at the completion of water system improvements.
Mayor Ed Mahalick said the interim rate will raise the average customer’s bill about $1.50 a month. According to a press release, the new rates will officially become effective on April 19 if there are no official protests filed with the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC).

