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There is no projected increase in water rates coming for Jamestown BPU customers in 2027.
BPU board members were recently updated on proposed 2027 budgets for the water and electric divisions at the BPU. Kevin Karr, finance and customs account manager, presented the budgets to the board, beginning with the water district. Some goals for the water district in the next year are to expand the customer base, control costs, and begin the Cassadaga capital project. Concerns include a decrease of water consumption, financing the Cassadaga project and other new equipment or equipment repair needs.
There is no projected rate increase for the 2027 water budget.
"That's good news," Karr said. "We're assuming the customer base will remain stable, that we will get everything we want to get, trucks and equipment that is available and the Cassadaga Pump House continues as planned."
Karr addressed the 2026 budget and projected numbers for 2027, including projected increases in both revenues and expenditures. Following a run through of the numbers for the water division, Karr moved into the wastewater division.
Wastewater division goals include keeping current revenue levels, controlling expenses and maintaining a reliable service. One concern is the possibility of a rate increase in 2028, though there is not one projected for 2027. Commercial usage is down, and Karr addressed some concerns with the sandfilter rehab and sewer replacements as well.
"Our assumptions for the 2027 budget, we have the leachate grant that was new," Karr said. "No rate increase, and union wages will go up based on collective bargaining agreements."
Karr went through the 2026 budget and projected budget for 2027 again for the wastewater division with the board. About a two percent increase in sales from 2026 to 2027 is projected, with an increase in expenses as well. After the numbers and more details for the wastewater division, Karr addressed some key points for the electric division budget.
Key electric budget items include the NYPA rate increase, consumption changes, power plant profitability and a few other items. The BPU does also have the DOE Microgrid grant that was reinstated, and Karr also noted the future concerns regarding regulations from New York state the BPU will have to deal with in the coming year.
"We have to deal with the regulations from New York state, the RECs and ZECs, the future of natural gas, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, these all affect the electric division," Karr said.
As for other division budgets, the BPU also approved the District Heat and Solid Waste division budgets during their monthly meeting. Those division budgets include a 10% rate increase for district heat that goes into effect Nov. 1. Solid waste customers will see an increase of $2.50 a month, bringing solid waste collection charges to $27 for customers in Jamestown and $33.50 for customers outside the city. Customers receive an $11 credit if they take part in the BPU's Residential Recycling Credit Program, which can be accomplished by using the red BPU recycling bins with an RFD bar code.