GBAMC 2024 Presentation
Funding the Future: Appropriate Rate Increases for Spindale, NC
Abstract
Spindale, NC operates a wastewater utility serving roughly 7,500 people. The town updated its asset management plan last year that included a rate study. The study determined that Spindale’s current rates would not be sufficient to cover its future operating and capital expenses and that a rate increase would be needed. This session will identify the challenging demographics of Spindale’s customer base. The session will also describe the data analysis behind the rate study and will discuss how affordability concerns informed the town’s new rates. The session will finally explore how regionalization and infrastructure funding opportunities could be key to the financial future of the utility.
Glenn Barnes
Director Of Water Finance Assistance
Glenn Barnes is the Director of Water Finance Assistance, a training and technical assistance organization dedicated to building the financial and managerial skills of drinking water and wastewater utility employees. He has worked for more than 15 years with utilities of all sizes across the country. Glenn’s work focuses on rate setting, asset management, affordability, increasing bill payments, accessing infrastructure funding, water loss and conservation, and workforce retention. All the work of Water Finance Assistance is rooted in data analysis, allowing utility staff to make informed and objective decisions to improve their sustainability and to serve their communities for years to come. Glenn is based in North Carolina.
