Rogue Valley Sewer Services (RVSS) reviews its rates every year to ensure that we are able to maintain a high level of service now and into the future.
Based on our rate analysis for this year we are recommending an increase in single family rates from $25.50 to $27.00 per month in our core area. For Shady Cove, the proposed increase will be from $50.00 to $51.50. With the annexation of Gold Hill we agreed to maintain their current rate for a minimum of 2 years, so the rate adopted by the City prior to annexation will remain in effect. If approved by the Budget Committee and adopted by the Board of Directors, this rate increase would be reflected in July, 2024.
As I am sure you are aware, the last few years have been marked by very high inflation. We are not immune to that, and our rate increase is partly to cover the higher cost of doing business.
Another significant factor in our rates are the fees we pay to the City of Medford to operate the regional sewer treatment plant. Medford is faced with significantly stricter discharge requirements from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality that will require more than $100 million over the next 10 years to meet.
Both RVSS and the City of Medford are doing everything we can to minimize the impact of these expenses. The reality is that we can expect further increases both to cover increased operating costs and to cover the costs of significant capital improvements.
It may be a small consolation, but RVSS still has the lowest sewer rates in the state and will most likely still be among the lowest even after all of the treatment plant upgrades are completed.
If you need any additional information, our budgets for the last 7 years are posted on our website at https://www.rvss-or.gov/leadership/budget-information or you can call me to discuss.
Carl Tappert
RVSS General Manager
541-727-6881