The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities voted to approve the 2024 water and wastewater division budgets.

The base rate for the water division remains the same for the coming year, while the wastewater division budget includes a 4% rate increase. As a result, the average residential wastewater customer will pay 80 cents more each month on the wastewater bill.

Since 2009, the only adjustments to wastewater rates have been in 2017 and 2022.

“The BPU attempts to hold the line on rate increases in each of our five divisions, working hard to provide reliable services at affordable levels,” said BPU General Manager David Leathers. “Regrettably, this year, we find it necessary to raise our wastewater rate to sustain this important service that is provided by an experienced and committed workforce.”

In the 2024 wastewater division budget, operating expenses will total $5,401,235, compared to the 2023 budget of $5,382,264.

The 2024 wastewater capital budget stands at $1.71 million. Major capital items include a digester clean-out, a sand filter rehabilitation project, bar screen replacements and installation of a new diesel generator.

The 2024 water division budget includes operating expenses of $5,519,993 compared to the 2023 figure of $5,310,650.

The 2024 water division capital budget stands at $3,126,118, with major projects including water main and service replacements, vehicle replacements and a new generator at the Peterson Water Division Building on Buffalo Street.

The water, solid, waste and district heating budgets have been approved for 2024 with no base rate increases. Separate from the variable monthly Fuel Adjustment Charge, electric rates also will remain unchanged in the new year.