PUD considers how to update utility tax

Wahkiakum PUD commissioners discussed a coming increase in utility taxes at their February 7 meeting but took no action on the matter.

The Cathlamet Town Council passed a resolution in December to increase their utility tax from 3 to 6 percent, and the new tax rate goes into effect February 18.

That timing does not coincide with the PUD’s regular meter reading schedule and might necessitate the expense of an additional meter reading cycle, said PUD Auditor Erin Wilson. She reported she has been in conversation with Mayor George Wehrfritz about its implementation.

Wilson explained that the utility currently collects the tax as a line item on the bills of electric customers residing within city limits. However, Puget Island water customers are not currently assessed a surcharge to recoup the cost of the tax the utility pays to the town. The PUD purchases water for its Puget Island system from the town.

The billing software vendor has come up with a way to include a line item for the utility tax on water bills if the commissioners choose to do so, said Wilson.

“I would choose to do so,” said commissioner Bob Jungers.

Wilson reported the assistance fund for low-income utility customers has seen heavy use and is currently around $100.

PUD customers can make a donation to the fund while paying their monthly bills.

The next regular meeting of the commissioners is scheduled for 6 p.m. on February 21 at Rosburg Hall.