Southport reduces utility rates ahead of merger with county utilities [Video]

SOUTHPORT, N.C. (WECT) – Ahead of the Southport Utilities merger with Brunswick County Utilities, the Southport Board of Aldermen has approved an immediate reduction in utility rates, per a city announcement on Monday, Feb. 19.

“Southport’s water and sewer rates have been reduced, effective with the February 2024 bill, to be as close as possible to the current Brunswick County rates. Because Southport and Brunswick County use different billing systems, the new lower Southport rates are very similar to the County’s rates but are not exact,” a city announcement states.

Southport’s merger with Brunswick County Utilities will save residents hundreds every year.

“It’s about a $62 dollar-a-month decrease,” Bonnie Therrien, city manager of Southport, said. “That’s $742 a year.”

The city will apply the rates until the merger is complete and the county takes over billing. Once the county does, it will begin charging its rates.

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