MWMC Ratifies Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget, Including Rate Change to Regional Wastewater User Fees
At their June Meeting, the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) ratified the Operating Budget and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, which takes effect Friday, July 1, 2022.
The FY22-23 MWMC Budget includes a 3.5% change for regional monthly wastewater user fees. Community members will see this change beginning in July on their utility bills from the Springfield Utility Board (SUB) or Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB). This rate change allows the MWMC to continue providing high-quality wastewater services that help protect the Willamette River.
The Commission implements moderate rate changes as needed to avoid rate spikes, keep up with inflation, and to position the MWMC for potential future bond issuance in support of wastewater capital improvements. To continually ensure economical use of funds, the MWMC has an annual audit of its financial records.
Wastewater fees billed to community members throughout the Eugene-Springfield area are comprised of a regional rate and a local rate. The regional rate is set by the MWMC, while the local rates are set by the cities of Eugene and Springfield. EWEB and SUB serve as the cities’ and the MWMC’s billing agents for both regional and local wastewater fees. Customers will receive a rate brochure with their next billing to provide information on rates. For a detailed breakdown of fees for both Eugene and Springfield customers, visit mwmcpartners.org/about-the-mwmc/rates.
The MWMC’s mission is to protect our community’s health and the environment by providing high-quality wastewater services to the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area, and we strive to do so through sustainable and fiscally responsible practices. We are committed to being good financial stewards of customer fees and providing the best possible service at an affordable price. The rates charged to both Eugene and Springfield customers, between the regional and local fees, are below average compared to other wastewater utilities in the region.
As part of our budget process, the Commission also voted to extend the MWMC’s Small Home System Development Charges (SDC) Project for another fiscal year. Through this offering, builders of small homes in the Eugene-Springfield area whose projects meet eligibility requirements can apply through their respective city to have regional SDCs covered by the MWMC. This is part of our ongoing efforts to support affordable housing and infill development as important community issues, in partnership with the cities of Eugene and Springfield and Lane County.
To learn more about the MWMC, the services we provide, and our rate structure for both regional wastewater user fees and SDCs, visit mwmcpartners.org/about-the-mwmc/rates.
What: MWMC ratifies Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget, including a 3.5% change for regional monthly wastewater user fees
Who: Wastewater customers
When: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023
Where: Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area
Additional information: Matt Stouder, MWMC Executive Officer, at 541.736.1006 or mstouder@springfield-or.gov or mwmcpartners.org
Background: The mission of the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission is to protect the community’s health and the environment by providing high-quality wastewater services to the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area in partnership with Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County. Local representatives from each of the regional partners – Lane County, City of Springfield, and City of Eugene – serve on the Commission. Learn more at mwmcpartners.org.
