The Commissioners of Poolesville are holding a Public Hearing on April 3, 2017 for a proposed water and sewer rate increase. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive comments from the public on the proposed rates. The water and sewer fund operates as an enterprise fund regarding operational expenses, which means the cost of the service should be covered by the user fees. Over the past few years, the Maryland Department of the Environment has mandated extra monitoring requirements in both drinking water and wastewater treatment. Electricity, chemicals and salaries have also increased. The Commissioners have reduced several line items in the draft budget but many of the costs are fixed or mandated by outside influences. The proposed rates reflect an 8% increase for the average user and a higher rate for the high end users. Below is a link to a presentation from the Commissioners March 20, 2017 meeting. The presentation details costs and breaks down how the rate increase will impact residents.