SMITHSBURG, Md. — Smithsburg is set to begin moving forward with the City of Hagerstown to transfer ownership of the town’s water system after a unanimous vote by the council at an early October meeting. LocalNews1 spoke with Smithsburg Mayor Donald Souders about next steps with the plan, and what this transfer means for Smithsburg residents.
As mentioned in the Oct. 6 meeting, the city assuming ownership of Smithsburg’s water infrastructure could yield Smithsburg residents substantial savings on their water bill. As it stands, Smithsburg residents pay $9.21 per 1,000 gallons of water. Under Hagerstown’s ownership, residents would pay Hagerstown’s rate of $4.21 per 1,000 gallons of water.
Souders also pointed out Smithsburg charges for a minimum of 6,000 gallons of water – regardless of whether if less water is used. Under Hagerstown’s rate structure, residents are charged based on a tier system beginning at 0 gallons used. Especially for elderly and fixed-income residents who tend to use less water, this difference in rate structure could reduce bills further.
Another important aspect of this plan is the recently identified $10.5 million in water infrastructure improvements needed in Smithsburg. Though options have been explored, the cost is often at the expense of customers. Under Hagerstown ownership, the city would have to work that number into its long-term plan for maintenance. Along with planned improvements to the Brickner Plant and Edgemont Reservoir and talks of providing Smithsburg with a second point of entry, residents may see improvements in their water pressure and quality under this plan.
If and when the water system’s ownership is transferred, Souders said there are no plans to let go of any employees. As the town will still maintain its other utilities, public works and maintenance employees will still operate as they currently do.
The mayor said the next steps are town and city attorneys drafting the agreement to be presented to each municipality’s councils. This plan will also be discussed during a Washington County Commissioners meeting with the town of Smithsburg on Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. After the agreement is settled upon, the town will then be able to present the plan to the public and hold public meetings about the matter.
Souders said that of all the considered options to maintain the town’s water infrastructure and keep bills low for customers, “cutting out the middle man” presents the most benefit in both regards. Despite concerns about the town losing a voice in water rates, the mayor said the town is already beholden to the rates Hagerstown charges to use its water, and that the city has made a promise to always allow Smithsburg “a seat at the table.”
