The Department continued to improve its operation in 1999.An overall reduction in operating expenses continued as efficiency was improved.Several capital improvement projects were initiated or completed over the course of the year. The Sharpsburg Pike project, which transferred sewer flows generated in the County to a County treatment facility, was a striking example of City/County cooperation. Construction of the biological nutrient removal project at the Conococheague Wastewater TreatmentPlant, completion of the Pangborn East sewer project, a new water supply for the Highfield/Cascade area, and an inventory management system for Departmental efficiency and control are but a few of the other improvements made by the Department. Upgrades to the Conococheague Industrial Pretreatment Facility at the expense of the private partner during 1999 allowed for increased revenue in Pretreatment operations, and a number of other system-wide improvements for operational efficiency were made by in-house staff at minimal cost.
The result of these projects has been an increase in customer base, reduction in projected capital costs, and reduction in expenses.These positive results, along with above average revenue from allocation and connection fees due to residential and economic development have allowed for projected rate increases at near zero levels.In addition, capital projects ranging from system-wide elimination of storm water infiltration to equipment replacement are ongoing to insure that operating costs remain low.An increase of Pretreatment revenue by over 600% over the last three years, and reduction of Departmental expenditures by 21.5% over the same time period are some of the positive results already achieved, and furtherimprovements in Departmental operations will be seen as options evolve.
In addition, the Department continues to holddiscussions with private firms and local government entities to determine cooperative ways to reduce overall expenditure requirements, increase revenue, and benefit the end user.
