The Springfield Utility Board plans to hold public hearings in November and again in December on proposed changes is rates for 2024 due to increased capital and operating costs. An overall 8.0 percent (8.0%) water rate increase will be proposed with an effective date as of January 1, 2024, on all bills rendered on or after February 1, 2024; a 3.0 percent (3.0%) electric rate increase will be proposed with an effective date as of April 1, 2024, on all bills rendered on or after May 1, 2024, and a proposed 6.0 percent (6.0%) dark fiber rate increase to be effective on all fiber bills rendered on or after May 1, 2024. The Board will also hold public hearings on SUB’s proposed 2024 Utility Operating Budget in November and December.
The first public hearings will be held during the regular Board meeting on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. The purpose of the first public hearings is to gather public input. No action will be taken at the November 8 Board meeting. The second and final public hearings will be held during SUB’s regular Board meeting on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Following the second public hearings at the December meeting, the Board is expected to consider adoption of the proposed changes to water, electric, and dark fiber rates for 2024; and to consider adoption of the proposed 2024 Utility Budget.
The November 8 and December 13 regular Board meetings will be held in SUB’s Board Room located in the Annex Building at 223 A Street in Springfield, and are to commence at 6:00 p.m. The public hearings will be held under Business from the Board portion of the meetings.
Members of the public are invited to attend the regular Board meetings and public hearings to share input with the Board in-person or join remotely via phone or internet. Prior to the meetings, the agendas with instructions to join remotely will be available on the website at www.subutil.com under Board Meetings. The public may also submit public comment in advance to be entered into the record by Noon on November 8 and December 13 by using the email link provided on the agendas.
Information on the proposed rate increases and budget will be available for public review prior to the meeting on SUB’s website at www.subutil.com. To receive copies of the proposed rate structure or proposed budget by mail, or to obtain answers to questions, please call Meredith Clark at 541-744-3794.