Elkins Residents Can Expect Big Drop in Water Bills

Water and sewer customers in Elkins can expect significant cuts from their monthly water bills due to the signing of a new wastewater contract on Friday. The two cities originally signed a 40 year contract back in 1981. However, that contract was vague on billing procedures, meters have been faulty, and Elkins has grown. The city has gone over its allotment of 36.5 million gallons a year. What started out as negotiations six months ago ended Friday with the stroke of a pen. Mayors Dan Coody of Fayetteville and Jack Ladyman of Elkins signed the new wastewater contract at Fayetteville City Hall. Mayor Dan Coody: "It really solves a long standing problem that we`ve had with our good neighbors in Elkins. We had some metering problems and some infrastructure problems for the last quarter century that this agreement resolves." Faulty meters at the Paul Noland Treatment Plant have been updated and subsequently will be checked regularly to avoid underbilling and overbilling. Mayor Jack Ladyman: "With this contract we are able to reduce the sewer rates to the citizens of Elkins by 38%. A substantial drop from $5.71 per 1000 gallons to $2.81. Elkins residents say the cuts are long overdue. Waymond Dugan: "My sister-in-law had to move out of town. She couldn`t afford the water bill here, it was running her around $200 a month. She`s a single mom with 3 kids." Julie Holland: "Its a good thing, the people of Elkins pay way too much." Christina Butcher: "Oh yes this will help out quite a bit, we have 5 children and use alot of water." Mayor Ladyman says Elkins also received nearly $88,000 in refunds from Fayetteville due to billing disputes. He says, although he doesn`t know how, the money will be passed on to the customer. Mayor Ladyman: "It will go back to the citizens, every dollar." The contract doesn`t affect Fayetteville customers. However, Elkins residents will see changes immediately in their rates post Jan. 1st. The length of the contract matches the original and expires in 2021.