Community Survey Fact Sheet #5

County Public Water

Process Overview:

If a majority of property owners are in favor of having the County provide public water to Hillsmere, HSIA would facilitate the petitioning of the county to do this.
County validates petition and runs feasibility and cost analysis studies
The County would arrange a public meeting to discuss the project.
Water petition projects are paid for by the property owner charges and fees.
County runs water to the neighborhood and to each property line.
Homeowners arrange with plumbers to hook the water line up to their houses

Charges and Fees

Description of Charge or Fee	Cost	Notes
Infrastructure water mains: 30 year Front Footage Charge	range from $1.93 to $6.33/foot per year (So a 100 ft lot might run ~ $400 per year for 30 years)	This finances the water mains. The amount is determined by the county. The county office of finance decides the interest rate of 2% or less. It is assessed on average width of properties. This assessment is place on the property for a period of thirty (30) years and transfers with the property.
Capital Facility Connection Charge	$4,500	Lot owners have 6 months to connect to system. Only lot owners with dwellings on said property can finance cost. This charge does not transfer with the sale of the home or lot.
User Connection Charge	$2,100	This brings the water lines to edge of property. Your own plumber needs to connect to house. This charge does not transfer with the sale of the home or lot.
Connection Permit Fee	$55	This charge does not transfer with the sale of the home or lot.
Line hook-up at house	Cost determined by plumber	Homeowner is responsible for making arrangements. A 50 foot run not crossing any sidewalks or driveways would cost in the ball park of $1500
Quarterly water use fees	Roughly $30 per quarter for 19000 gallons per qtr.	This is in addition to the sewer charge.

PLEASE SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR PAYMENT OPTIONS

Four Payment options

The County offers four payment options for the Capital Facility Connection Charge, the User Connection Charge, and Connection Permit Fee. The total of these fees is $6,655.

Option 1. Full payment of $6,655

Option 2. Partial payment of $3655 plus finance $3000 at 8% for 30 years. Annual payment of $266.

Option 3. Pay permit fee $55 plus finance $3,600 for 5 years and finance $3,000 for 30 years

· Finance $3,600 for 5 years at 1.92%with a monthly payment of $63 or an annual payment of $763

· Finance $3,000 at 8% for 30 years with an annual payment of $266

Option 4. Pay permit fee $55 and defer payment of charges until ownership of property transfers but then is due in full. This option is available to the handicapped, surviving spouses and senior citizens who meet specific age and income requirements. For example, a qualifying person based on being handicapped or surviving spouse, or senior citizen (over age 60) and the total household income is < $38,000 then the person qualifies for the deferment. If two people, then the total household income must be < $43,900; etc.

Options 2, 3, 4 include interest and must be paid in full when property transfers.

Summary: total cost per lot owner (excluding interest if that is the option you choose), is in the ballpark of $8,155.00 per lot plus roughly $400 per year for 30 years. If you answer yes on the community survey and a majority of Hillsmere lot owners say yes, we will be back to your address with the official Anne Arundel County petition.

Pros Cons

Fire Hydrants will be installed Cost

H.S. power failure would not affect water You won’t have control of quality

Possibly better quality water Water conservation may be issue

Water is fluoridated which helps with dental care Wells must be capped

Won’t have to have home water treatment equipment

Public water may enhance value of your home

5/17/2005

Revised 6/20/2005