East Lyme — The Water and Sewer Commission approved Tuesday a 5 percent increase in water rates and an 8 percent increase in sewer rates, largely due to the effects the reduction in the prison population has had on water and sewer usage in town.

The men's unit at the Janet S. York Correctional Institution in Niantic closed in January. 

During Tuesday's public hearing, Public Works Director Joe Bragaw said the town has seen a 44 percent decrease in water usage and a 38 percent decrease in sewer flows from the prisons since March, which has led to a drop in revenue.

The commission made midyear cuts to its budgets in response to the loss in revenue from the town's largest customer.

The commission cut $135,000 from this fiscal year's sewer budget, which stands at $104,000 less than last year's budget, according to Bragaw's presentation.

The commission eliminated $86,000 from this fiscal year's water budget, so it's about $18,000 less than last year's budget, he said.

He said the town needs the rate increases "to provide revenue to maintain our aging system."

Bragaw pointed out that six water main breaks have occurred in the past two weeks, and the town's sewer system also needs repairs.

According to charts analyzing the new rates, a "medium user" of 40,000 gallons of water per six months will pay $213.34 during the six-month period under the new water rate, or $14.82 more than under the current rate.

Additionally, a $5 fee will be implemented on the minimum water charge.

Under the new sewer rate, a "medium user" of 40,000 gallons of flow per six months will pay $306.80 during the six-month period, or $22.80 more than under the current rate.

The new rates will be effective Nov. 1.

In addition to the 8 percent increase for sewer rates, there will be a 10 percent increase for a new category of the highest users that use more than 2,500,000 gallons of flow per six months, according to the presentation.

The charge for certain services also will increase.

The installation and disconnection of water meters currently are free during working hours, but with the revenue that is needed, Bragaw said the department is no longer in a position to offer the services free of charge.

The installation, disconnection and repairs of water meters will cost $100 during normal working hours and $150 after hours. Repairs during business hours currently cost $75, while repairs, disconnections and installations currently cost $120 outside of business hours; Bragaw said these charges hadn't been updated in years, and the department has seen rising salaries.

He said seasonal customers typically have been offered one turn-on/turn-off for free, but the service now will have a cost of $75.

Meter tests will cost $75, according to his presentation.

In addition, inspection services will increase from $65 per hour to $70 per hour during working hours, and from $97.50 per hour to $105 per hour outside of working hours.

k.drelich@theday.com