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2 <br /> County staff reiterated the reason for the rate increases is to make the system self-su�cient <br /> and eliminate the General Fund subsidy that has steadily grown larger over the last finro <br /> decades (see Attachment 3). There was some discussion of the current costs of operating the <br /> system, including capital funds that should be collected before they are needed for large, future <br /> maintenance projects. County staff discussed the potential for rate reduction should a <br /> municipality which is already in the utility business, such as Mebane or Hillsborough, assure <br /> operation and maintenance of the system and the importance of additional customers to create <br /> better economics of scale. <br /> As the County proceeds in the expansion process of the sewer system, community leaders <br /> agree that there will be mutual benefit to promoting more customer connections. A community <br /> meeting explaining future sewer expansion will be held in the coming months. <br /> The meeting ended with the Manager considering the information discussed in the meeting and <br /> offering to explore options with staff that may be available to the County to lessen the impact of <br /> the rising rates. Planning and Engineering staff can provide some rate scenarios in the near <br /> future. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact to receive this report. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board receive the report. <br />