Greenville Utilities Commission details $314M budget and upcoming rate increases

The Greenville City Council convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss various budgetary matters, including presentations from local utilities and updates on community projects. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC) and its financial strategies for the upcoming fiscal year.

The session began with a presentation from the library, where the speaker praised the efficiency and progress made under the new leadership. Following this, GUC General Manager Tony Cannon presented an overview of the utility's operations, emphasizing its long-standing history and the services provided to over 73,000 customer connections.

Cannon detailed the utility's financial performance, noting that GUC has transferred approximately $71.3 million to the city over the past decade, with a projected transfer of $9.1 million for the upcoming budget. He highlighted the importance of maintaining competitive rates, stating that GUC's rates for water, sewer, electric, and gas services are favorable compared to other major cities in North Carolina.

The proposed budget for 2025-2026 includes a 3.7% increase in electric rates, a 6.5% increase in sewer rates, and a 4.9% increase in gas rates, primarily driven by rising wholesale power costs and infrastructure needs. Cannon explained that these adjustments are necessary to maintain service reliability and fund capital projects, including improvements to the water treatment plant and the installation of advanced metering infrastructure.

Cannon also addressed environmental concerns, particularly regarding PFAS contamination, and outlined GUC's plans to implement granular activated carbon filtration to meet regulatory standards. He reassured council members that the utility is committed to providing safe and reliable services while managing costs effectively.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the importance of succession planning within the utility, as many employees are nearing retirement. Cannon emphasized the need for knowledge transfer and continuity in operations.

Overall, the council meeting underscored GUC's dedication to maintaining high service standards while navigating financial challenges and regulatory requirements. The proposed budget reflects a strategic approach to ensure the utility's long-term sustainability and service excellence for the Greenville community.