Effective August 1, 2023: CITY OF SOUTHPORT WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT DEBIT OR CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS IN PERSON.
• We will continue to accept CHECKS, CASH, OR MONEY ORDERS in person.
• Credit card payments can be made by phone at (910) 363-1002 or online here. Please note a 2.50% convenience fee will apply.
We encourage residents to set up automatic draft from their checking account. It’s easy and it’s FREE. Please ask us for details!
NOTICE: If your balance is not paid by the 25th of each month, your water service will be turned off and a $35 fee ($70 for Rivermist customers) will be added to your account. The past-due balance plus the delinquent fee must be paid prior to reconnection of service.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Effective August 1, 2023: CITY OF SOUTHPORT WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT DEBIT OR CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS IN PERSON.
• We will continue to accept CHECKS, CASH, OR MONEY ORDERS in person.
• Credit card payments can be made by phone at (910) 363-1002 or online here. Please note a 2.50% convenience fee will apply.
We encourage residents to set up automatic draft from their checking account. It’s easy and it’s FREE. Please ask us for details!
The Southport Finance office is proud to offer a secure, user-friendly method for paying monthly utility bills from the privacy of your own home. Features include:
- Pay by credit card or debit card, via phone and online ONLY
- View monthly billing information online
- Use service 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Sign up to receive utility bills by email
- How to sign up to pay your bill online – video
Southport City Hall
1029 N. Howe Street
Southport, NC 28461
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
(910) 457-7900
BEWARE of 3rd party pop-up credit card vendors. Our credit card vendor has the City seal on it.
Establish, Transfer, or Discontinue Utility Service
Establishing a New Service
To establish service at a residence that already has a service connection:
(leasing a residence or purchasing a residence)
✓ Complete a utility application
✓ Enclose a $35 application fee
✓ Provide a copy of your driver’s license
✓ Provide the lease agreement, deed, or closing disclosure of the property
✓ *Optional: Provide a completed bank draft form and a voided check
The $35 application fee will be waived if the bank draft is initiated at the time utility service is established.
➢ We will then pull credit which will determine if a deposit is required
- Time of Application: The City will strive to meet customers’ needs for connection of service. Normal connection will be made the same day as the request if submitted by 1:00 p.m. (This is if service has been disconnected prior to application)
- Application Fee: The customer shall pay a NON-REFUNDABLE application fee of $35 to begin utility service. See fee schedule. (Application fee can be waived with bank draft at time of set up)
- Prior Debts: The City of Southport may not provide utility service to an applicant who is indebted to the City for service previously furnished until all indebtedness has been satisfied.
- Residential Deposits: Residential customers may be required to pay a deposit to begin utility service. Deposits are based on information obtained from credit reports through Experian. See fee schedule.
- Commercial Deposits: Commercial account deposits are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are generally 2 times the average bill amount or 2 times the base amount, whichever is greater.
- Renter Deposits: Renters will be required to pay a deposit to begin utility service. Deposit amount is based on information obtained from credit reports through Experian. See fee schedule.
- Good Credit History: Is defined as no late payments, delinquent charges, extension, bad checks or involuntary disconnections for 2 years.
- Future Deposits: Any customer whose service is involuntarily terminated for either non- payment, meter tampering, or other reasons may be required to pay an additional cash deposit prior to reconnecting service.
- Refunding of Deposits: Deposits will be refunded promptly to the customer when service is voluntarily discontinued. The deposit will be applied to the customer’s outstanding balance on the final bill. Any remaining deposit will automatically be refunded to the customer. The deposit will not be refunded if the customer has another account with a past due balance. Any remaining credit on the account will be transferred to the other account(s). The customer may request their deposit be refunded after 2 years of service with a good credit history.
- If an account is turned off and then reconnected in the same name (or immediate family member’s name) within 11 months, the base rate for each month plus reconnection fee will be charged.
Commercial Properties
*Will be required to pay a deposit in place of having credit pulled. (See commercial deposits)
Moving from a Residence
When selling or moving from a property:
1. Please complete a Change of Service Form
2. Drop off, mail, fax, or email form.
Mailing & Physical Address:
1029 N Howe St
Southport, NC 28461
Phone: 910-457-7900 Option 1
Fax: 910-457-7905
Email: [email protected]
Discontinuation of Service
Any customer requesting discontinuation of service shall do so in person at the Finance Office.
- The service location, date service is to be disconnected, and a forwarding mailing address for the final bill are required.
- If the customer is not able to appear in person, we can disconnect the account via fax request (910) 457-7905 or upon verification of the account.
- Disconnection of services will be performed the same day if the request is received by 1 p.m. A request received after 1 p.m. will be fulfilled the next working day.
Final Utility Bill
- A customer’s final bill will be processed and mailed along with the regular billing cycle.
- All funds, including deposits, load management, and overcharge credits will be used against amounts owed to the City on the closed account.
- The remaining funds will then be used against any amounts owed on any other accounts the customer may have with the City of Southport.
- Any credit balances left after going towards the amount owed, would be sent in the form of a check to the forwarding address.
General Utility Information
Utility Service and Billing Information
Billing Information
-
Utility bills are mailed out at the end of each month.
- A bill is past due if not paid by 5 p.m. on the 15th of the month – unless the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, then it is due on the next business day.
- A late notice will be mailed to customers with past due bills on the 16th of each month – unless the 16th falls on the weekend or holiday, then the late notice will be mailed on the next business day.
- A delinquent fee of $35 is automatically added to the bill after the 25th. The past-due bill and all fees must be paid before service is reconnected (See Utility Fees & Deposits). NOTE: A delinquent fee of $70 will be added for sewer customers with county-provided water.
- An additional fee of $50.00 will be charged to all customers who request water service reconnection after 3:30 PM.
- Customers who feel their bill is in error or otherwise have reason to protest the termination of utility service may contact the Finance Office Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:30 am. and 5 p.m. at (910)457-7900 Option 1.
Billing Adjustments: If the City has inadvertently overcharged or undercharged a customer for utility service, the City will promptly notify the customer.
Water & Sewer Adjustments: In the case where a leak takes place on the customer’s side of the meter that results in water not being discharged into the sanitary sewer, the customer may apply for an adjustment on sewer charges by presenting the City a note from a licensed plumber stating the leak had been fixed and the water did not flow into the sewer.
If service is turned off and reconnection is requested in the same name or immediate family member’s name within 11 months, the base rate plus reconnection fee will be charged.
After Hours Payment Drop Box: For customer convenience, a blue payment drop box is on 11th Street, next to the entrance to City Hall. A check and billing stub may be deposited in the box. Please do not deposit cash in the after-hours depository. Payments put in the box after 10:00 a.m. will be considered next-day payments.
Meter Tampering is Against the Law! Do not turn on or deface your utility meter. North Carolina state law allows the utility provider, the City of Southport, to prosecute in a court of law for meter tampering. The City Board’s adopted penalty for meter tampering is a $250.00 fine. Contact the finance department at 1029 N Howe Street, 910-457-7900, immediately if your meter has been turned off or removed.
Damage to Water Meter: The customer will be responsible for the cost to replace or repair a damaged water meter.
The City’s Response to Returned Checks
- The city will accept only cash, certified checks, or money order from any customer having 2 insufficient funds (bad) checks within any 1 year period.
- Upon receipt of the 2nd returned check, the customer will be advised that ALL bills must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order for the next year.
- After the 1 year period ends, if another insufficient funds check is received all future bills must be paid in cash.
- As allowed by the State of North Carolina, a $35 charge is added to the customer’s bill for each returned check. (See Utility Fees & Deposits)
Fees and Deposits
General Fees Effective July 2023
| Application Fee (Application Fee waived with Automatic Draft set up) |
$35.00
non-refundable |
| Returned Check | $35.00 |
|
Meter Tampering or Unauthorized Tap
|
$250.00 |
|
After Hours Water Connection Fee after 3:30pm
|
$50.00 |
| Meter Testing | $25.00 |
| Delinquent Fee | $35.00 |
| Delinquent Fee for sewer customers with county provided water | $70.00 |
| Credit Card Convenience Fee (effective August 2023) | 2.50% |
Average Deposits Effective July 2023 (inside City limits)
*NOTE: Deposit required for all renters.
| Residential – Electric |
$375.00
|
| Residential – Water | $52.00 |
|
Residential – Sewer
|
$158.00 |
|
Residential – Garbage
|
$24.00 |
| Commercial – Electric | $500.00 |
| Commercial – Water | $75.00 |
| Commercial – Sewer | $278.00 |
Commercial account deposits are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are generally 2 times the average bill amount or 2 times the base amount, whichever is greater.
For residential accounts opened in a business name, the required deposit will be 2 times the monthly base rate or 2 times the average monthly bill, whichever is greater.
Resources for Assistance
Extension of Time for Payment of Bills
Extension of Time for Payment of Bills
- Extension requests must be made no later than 5 p.m. on the 25th by the customer or are subject to disconnection.
- The customer requesting the extension must come in or call the Finance Office at City Hall.
- No more than 3 extension agreements will be granted in a 12-month period.
If payment is not made as stated in the Payment Extension Agreement, service will be disconnected without further notice, and all payments, including any disconnect and reconnect fees must be paid before service is restored.
Optional Customer Assistance: Customers being assisted by the Brunswick County Department of Social Services, Brunswick Family Assistance, or other local crisis intervention centers are exceptions to this policy.
Resources for Assistance
Difficulty in Paying Bill: The following organizations may be able to offer assistance to customers who are having difficulty paying their bills.
Brunswick Family Assistance Agency
4600-10 Main St Suite
Shallotte, NC 28459
(910) 754-4766
Every Wednesday from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. @ Trinity
United Methodist Church of Southport
Social Services
Brunswick County Government Complex, Bolivia, NC 28422
Southport Number: (910) 457-6227
Bolivia Number: (910) 253-2077
Local Community Churches
The City of Southport encourages each customer to seek assistance with paying their utility bill prior to disconnection of service.
Neighbors 4 Neighbors
The Board of Aldermen established Neighbors 4 Neighbors (N4N) in January 2020 to assist residents struggling to pay sewer bills. The program was initially $20/month, but increased to a $40 monthly credit applied directly to participants’ utility bill.
Need Help?
If you need assistance paying your water/sewer bill, please contact Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA) at 910-754-4766 to see if you qualify for this program. An Intake Specialist with BFA is available at the following locations:
- In Southport every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E Nash St.
- In Shallotte at 4600-10 Main St (if Wednesday is not convenient).
Income and household expenditures will be analyzed to determine eligibility for the program. Once initially qualified, you must call BFA, 910-754-4766, at the beginning of each month (prior to the 10th) to request theassistance to continue. No additional information or in-person visit is required.
Want to Help?
If you would like to donate to the program to help your neighbors in need, please call our office at 910-457-7900, option 1. We can accept a one-time donation or a monthly pledge. Every dollar will make a difference in the lives that it touches!
Neighbors for Neighbors Donation Agreement Form
Water Service Administration
Finance Department
New Services, Billing and Rates
Tel: (910) 457-7900
Public Services Director
Tom Stanley | Tel: (910) 457-7935
Email
Department Administrative Assistant
Jackie Smith | Tel: (910) 457-7935
Email
Water Distribution ORC
Tom Stanley | Tel: (910) 457-7935
Email
Water Rates
Rates Effective July 2023
All rates are subject to change without notice. Please contact Public Services if you have any questions about which fees apply to you.
Residential Water Rates
Inside City Residential
Base Rate: $26.45, 1,000 gallons included
1,001 – 3,000 gallons: $8.73 per 1,000
3,001 – 5,000 gallons: $10.45 per 1,000
5,000 and beyond: $12.17 per 1,000
Outside City Residential
Base Rate: $43.00, 1,000 gallons included
1,001 – 3,000 gallons: $13.09 per 1,000
3,001 – 5,000 gallons: $15.67 per 1,000
5,001 and beyond: $16.98 per 1,000
Commercial Water Rates
Inside City Commercial
Base Rate: $37.49, 1,000 gallons included
1,001 – 3,000 gallons: $8.73 per 1,000
3,001 – 5,000 gallons: $10.45 per 1,000
5,000 and beyond: $12.17 per 1,000
Outside City Commercial
Base Rate: $56.23, 1,000 gallons included
1,001 – 3,000 gallons: $13.09 per 1,000
3,001 – 5,000 gallons: $15.67 per 1,000
5,001 and beyond: $16.98 per 1,000
Irrigation Water Rates
Inside City Irrigation
Base Rate: $15.30 (regardless of use)
0 – 5,000 gallons: $12.54 per 1,000
5,001 and beyond: $15.03 per 1,000
Outside City Irrigation
Base Rate: $22.95 (regardless of use)
0 – 5,000 gallons: $18.81 per 1,000
5,001 and beyond: $22.54 per 1,000
Sewer Rates
Rates Effective July 2023
All rates are subject to change without notice. Please contact Public Services if you have any questions about which fees apply to you.
Residential Sewer Rates
Inside City Residential
Base Rate: $78.54, 1,000 gallons included
1,001 – 5,000 gallons: $7.23 per 1,000
5,001 and beyond: $8.68 per 1,000
Outside City Residential
Base Rate: $154.24, 1,000 gallons included
1,001 – 5,000: $18.07 per 1,000
5,001 and beyond: $21.68 per 1,000
Commercial Sewer Rates
Inside City Commercial
Base Rate: $138.81, 1,000 gallons included
1,001 – 5,000 gallons: $14.45 per 1,000
5,001 and beyond: $17.34 per 1,000
Outside City Commercial
Base Rate: $208.22, 1,000 gallons included
1,001 – 5,000 gallons: $21.68 per 1,000
5,001 and beyond: $26.02 per 1,000
System Development & Tap Fees
Sewer System Development Fees
Residential Sewer System Development Fees
2 bedroom: $10,565 (240 gpd)
3 bedroom: $15,847 (360 gpd)
4 bedroom: $21,130 (480 gpd)
Sewer Tap Fees
- Short Side sewer tap within staff capability: $1,500
- Sewer taps above staff capability (contractor can be hired by builder and city to inspect or city-hired contractor: cost + 10%
- Long Side sewer tap (contractor to do bore, no more road cuts): cost + 10%
- Sewer taps that require pavement disturbance; builder to be responsible for pavement replacement or cost + 10%
Meter Tampering
1st offense: $100 fine
2nd offense: $500 fine
3rd offense: $1,000 fine
Effective July 1, 2022 – Sewer System Development Fees: $44.02 per gallon
Where extraordinary measures are necessary to accomplish a sewer tap, the cost to make the tap shall be based on time and materials, plus an administrative fee of 10%. This will be in lieu of the base tap fee.
Commercial Sewer System Development Fees
Commercial customers must contact the Public Services Director at (910) 457-7935 for the calculation of Commercial System Development Fees.
Water Tap Fees
Establishing a new meter connection
Water Tap
3/4 in. tap: $1,100
1 in. tap: $1,200
New Meter for Existing Tap: $500
Irrigation Tap
Separate Irrigation Tap: $1,100
Split Irrigation Tap: $750
Where extraordinary measures are necessary to accomplish a water tap, the cost to make the tap shall be based on time and materials, plus an administrative fee of 10%. shall be applied in lieu of the base tap fee.
Water System Development Fees
Establishing a new meter connection
Effective July 1, 2022: Water System Development Fees: $4.25 per gallon
2 bedroom: $1,700 (400 gpd)
3 bedroom: $1,700 (400 gpd)
4 bedroom: $2,244 (528 gpd)
System Development Fees Information & FAQs
System Development Fees Information & FAQs
What are System Development fees?
System Development Fees are a charge or assessment for service imposed with respect to development to fund the cost of capital improvements that are needed because of the development, and to help recoup costs of existing facilities which serve the development, or a combination of the two.
Who can charge System Development Fees?
Any local government unit may adopt a System Development Fee (SDF) for water or sewer in accordance with N.C.G.S. 162A. Article 8. The statute requires certain conditions be met before the fees are imposed. These conditions include:
- Completion of a supporting analysis prepared by an engineer or finance professional. The analysis will take into account the existing facilities, depreciation, future needs for the next 5-20 years.
- Once the analysis is complete, it must be posted on the website/available to review for at least 45 days.
- After the 45 day period, the governing body must hold a public hearing to receive input about the analysis and proposed fees.
- The local government shall publish the SDF in its annual budget or rate plan.
- An analysis must be conducted every 5 years. The collected SDF can be used to fund the following:
- Costs of capital improvements for water and wastewater:
- Construction contract prices
- Surveys and engineering fees
- Land acquisition
- Principal and interest on bonds, notes, and other financial obligations
- Professional fees incurred from the cost of the analysis.
- Finance the construction or acquisition of existing water and wastewater capital improvements.
- Costs of capital improvements for water and wastewater:
System Development fees are calculated per gallons per day of projected future demand, which is estimated for each development based on a development type-specific metric. The fees can be based on the number of seats in a restaurant, number of bedrooms in a new dwelling, the size of the tap to be installed, or the heated square footage of the structure. The fee structure for each utility authority is based on the analysis completed. System Development Fees are paid at the time a building/development permit is issued. Southport has a lot of aging infrastructure, and several projects are needed to increase capacity, and be able to complete the upgrades and needed maintenance.
The State of NC sets the average per day for each use. A hotel is set at 120 gallons per day per room. A full service restaurant is set at 40 gallons per day per seat. Residences are calculated at 120 gallons per day per bedroom. The minimum water use is 400 gpd and sewer use is 240gpd.
Practical Application/Examples for Southport:
Based on the analysis that was done for Southport, the fees assessed are $ 4.25 per gallon of water, and $44.02 per gallon of wastewater.
New restaurant with 30 seats. The state set the average flow at 40 gallons per day per seat.
(30 seats x 40 gallons per day= 1200 gpd) x $4.25=$5,100 System Development Fee-Water (30 seats x 40 gallons per day=1200 gpd) x $44.02=$52,824 System Development Fee-Sewer
Total SDF due: $57,924.00
New single-family residence with (4) bedrooms. Residences are calculated at 120 gallons per day.
(4 bedrooms x 120 gallons per day=480 gpd) x $4.25=$2,040 SDF-Water
(4 bedrooms x 120 gallons per day=480 gpd) x $44.02=$21,129.60 SDF-Sewer
Total SDF due: $23,169.60
New Car Wash Facility with three bays. Car wash facilities are calculated at 1200 gpd per wash bay.
(3 bays x 1200 gallons per day=3600 gpd) x $4.25=$15,300 SDF-Water
(3 bays x 1200 gallons per day=3600 gpd) x $44.02=$158,472 SDF-Sewer
Total SDF due: $173,772.00
New real estate office with (3) employees, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General offices are calculated at 25 gpd per employee per shift.
(3 employees x 25 gallons per day=75 gpd) x $4.25=$318.75 SDF-Water
(3 employees x 25 gallons per day=75 gpd) x $44.02=$3,301.50 SDF-Sewer
Total SDF due: $3,620.25
WHY ARE SOUTHPORT’S RATES SO HIGH?
Unfortunately, the City’s infrastructure is very old and deteriorated. And like many other municipalities, maintenance wasn’t done on a regular schedule to minimize any issues. Because the condition of the system is declining, there are many water and sewer projects planned. System Development Fees can be used to pay for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. In addition, unlike some neighboring communities, Southport has not contributed to the Brunswick County water or sewer system. The City has only leased capacity and purchased water.
Southport was awarded grants to have a Utility Merger Feasibility Study completed for both water and wastewater. We hope that based on the results of the study, Brunswick County will agree to take over our systems. Once this happens, the System Development Fees may change. Many other municipalities in Brunswick County have already merged their system with the Brunswick County system. At that point, the System Development Fees will have to revised. A copy of Southport’s current System Development Fee Analysis is available upon request to the City Clerk’s office. You may use the examples above to estimate what your System Development Fees might be for your project, or you can call Public Services at (910) 457-7935 if you have any questions.
Backflow Prevention Devices
All backflow prevention devices are required to be re-tested annually by a third party.
Notice of Requirement of Backflow Prevention Devices
All irrigation meters in the City of Southport are required to have a backflow prevention device. This device is designed to ensure potable water provided by the City remains safe throughout the water distribution system.
New irrigation meters (and existing irrigation meters that have been removed or turned off) should follow the following procedures.
If a new meter is requested for irrigation, the customer will need to contact the City of Southport to request an irrigation tap.
Once the irrigation tap is installed by the City of Southport, the customer will then contact a plumber to install the backflow prevention device. Once the device is installed, the customer will notify the City of Southport and the device will be inspected by a County certified inspector (at the City’s cost). Once the inspection is complete and the device is approved, the county will send results to the City and the City will install the irrigation meter.
After the meter is installed, the customer must have the backflow prevention device tested for proper operation by a 3rd party certified backflow tester prior to using the meter. The cost for this testing is the responsibility of the customer. When this testing is complete, the report should be forwarded to the City by the customer. Once the report is received indicating the device passed testing, the water will be turned on by Public Works Department.
All backflow prevention devices are required to be re-tested annually by a third party.
Please note these measures are not only required by the City, they are in place to ensure the safety of our water supply.
Local Certified Backflow Testers:
- Brunswick Pluming, Southport: 910-457-1709
- Hughes Plumbing, Ocean Isle Beach: 910-575-3217
- J. Rodriguez, Wilmington: 910-264-1357
- Michael Turner, Southport: 910-218-1454
- Reeves Plumbing, Ocean Isle Beach: 910-579-2946
- Sunny Wright, Brunswick County: 910-880-4178
- Winnabow Plumbing, Southport: 910-253-4184
Municipal Sewer Use Ordinance
Each year there are more than 15,000 sewer overflows in North Carolina. Many of these overflows are directly related to the improper disposal of oil and grease in kitchen drains. Grease congeals on sewer pipes, which causes wastewater to flow back into homes and businesses or directly into waterways.
Discharging oil and grease into municipal sewer pipes is 100% preventable. For further information on Southport’s municipal sewer use ordinance, contact David Fox at (910) 457-7958 or (910) 457-7935. You can make a difference!
Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Beat the Grease Goblin!
Did you know that most sanitary sewer backups occur between your home and the town’s sewer main? You can help prevent a costly and unsanitary overflow by following a few simple steps.
DO:
Scrape excess grease in a container and dispose of it in the garbage.
Place food scraps in waste containers or garbage bags for disposal with solid wastes, or start a compost pile; promote the use of scraping ware prior to washing.
Place a wastebasket in the bathroom to dispose of solid wastes. Disposable diapers, condoms, and personal hygiene products do not belong in the sewer system.
Promote the concept of “3 R’s”: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
DO NOT:
Pour grease, fats, and oils from cooking down the drain.
Use the toilet as a wastebasket.
Use the sewer as a means of disposing of food scraps.
Wastewater Collection & Treatment Solutions
Payments must be received by the 15th of each month and can be made in person at City Hall, in the blue drop box in front of City Hall, or by mailing a check to:
City Hall
Attn: Tax Collector
1029 N Howe St
Southport, NC 28461
Occupancy Tax
The City of Southport levies an occupancy tax on all rentals of hotel/motel rooms, homes, cottages, or other lodging facilities that are rented to the same person for less than 90 continuous days. This tax on accommodations is currently levied at 3% of gross receipts.
Tax reports and accompanying tax payments must be filed with the City monthly by the 15th day of the month following the reporting month. This means that the tax report for rental monies collected from January 1-January 31 is due to the City by February 15. This is the case throughout the year.
A Room Occupancy Tax Report declaring the gross receipts should be submitted to the City for all rented units each month, even if there was no rental income for that period.
Please use the below form to submit your monthly occupancy tax.
Occupancy Tax Form
The City of Southport Board of Aldermen have adopted a new water and sewer rate schedule which will be effective with the February 2022 billing. Below are frequently asked questions and answers that help to clarify the facts about the rate increases.
Q. Why do water rates need to increase?
A. Like many other municipalities, Southport purchases water from Brunswick County as a wholesale customer. Beginning January 1, 2022, Brunswick County increased the rate of wholesale water per 1000 gallons by 81.7%. The county’s rate increase is to cover the debt service for the expansion of the Northwest Water Treatment Plant and installation of the Reverse Osmosis System to address the purification of raw water sourced from the Cape Fear River.
Q. Why do sewer rates need to increase?
A. The sewer rates that were adopted previously were in response to the original $26,000,000 loan that enabled Southport to become a member in the county-wide sewer processing system with 750,000 gallons of capacity.
The current increase in rates reflects the expansion of the Brunswick County sewer processing facility in Shallotte. The cost is now $30,000,000 for Southport to become a member with 750,000 gallons of capacity.
Q. What other factors play a role in the rates increases?
A. The new rate schedule is also calculated to address much-needed infrastructure needs. The City now has Water and Sewer Infrastructure Inventory Analysis reports that articulate needed Capital Improvement projects, estimated at over $5,000,000 for water and over $7,000,000 sewer over the next 5 years. The new rate schedule includes $750,000 in revenue annually to begin to address these needed improvements.
The new rate structure also includes $250,000 in reserves annually to address the unforeseen so that we can hopefully stay on track with the critically needed Capital Improvements.
The City has applied for alternative funding sources – like an eight million dollar USDA grant. Without approval in hand, we must plan as if it doesn’t exist. Regardless, in the near term, the City must demonstrate to the Local Government Commission that the Southport rate structure will support the debt service for the $30,000,000 low-interest loan and continued operation.
Q. How were the 2022 water and sewer rates determined?
A. The new rate structure is based on data calculated by the dashboard rate tool provided by the NC School of Government Environmental Finance Center. This tool creates a 20-year rate projection that factors in volume metrics, increased cost of wholesale water, debt service, capital improvements, revenues and expenditures.
The data was gathered by Finance Director Melanie Trexler and her staff, using April 2021 as a snapshot of an average month’s usage. The new rate structure projections include an annual 5% increase for the next two years and after that, an annual 2% increase like the previous rate structure.
The Rate Committee and the Finance Director will meet quarterly to monitor the results of the new water and sewer rate structure to ensure that revenues are in alinement with budgeted expenditures, debt service and required capital improvements.
Q. How does the water rate structure differ from the previous rate structure?
A. The previous water rate structure included 3000 gallons of usage in the base rate with two-tiered pricing per 1000 gallons; for the usage of 3001 to 10,000 gallons and beyond 10,001 gallons.
The new water rate structure for residential and commercial users provides for the base rate to remain the same, however, the number of gallons included in the base rate has been reduced to 1000 gallons.
Beyond the base rate, there is now a three-tiered rate structure. The first tier is 1001 to 3000 gallons, the second tier is 3001 to 5000 gallons and the third tier is 5001 gallons and beyond. By maintaining a base rate with some usage included, we have more stability and seasonal users help to contribute towards the resources that must be standing by and available to them.
Bills are calculated using the base rate, plus the rate per 1000 gallons used.
Q. How does the sewer rate structure differ from the previous rate structure?
A. The previous sewer rate structure included 3000 gallons of usage in the base rate, with single-tier pricing per 1000 gallons for usage over 3001 gallons.
The new sewer rate structure for city residential and commercial accounts provides for the base rate to increase by $4 and $10 respectively.
The non-city commercial base rate increase is $15 and the non-city residential sewer rate remains the same. However, the number of gallons included in the base rate has been reduced to 1000 gallons. There is now a two-tiered rate structure. The first tier is 1001 to 5000 gallons, the second tier is 5001 gallons and beyond.
Bills are calculated using the base rate, plus the rate per 1000 gallons used. By maintaining a base rate with some usage included, we have more stability and seasonal users help to contribute towards the resources that must be standing by and available to them.
Starting February 2022, city residential households that do not exceed the 1000 gallons of usage included in the base rate, will have an increase of four dollars ($4) in their total monthly water and sewer billing.
Q. Why did city irrigation rates increase more than city residential water rates?
A. Irrigating yards is a choice, and supplying water to homes is a requirement.
Using the volume metric data from April 2021, as an average month, revealed that irrigation utilized 61.4% of the volume of water that homes used during that same period.
The city recently had to increase water reserves by 230,000 gallons at a cost of almost one million dollars to be paid over a nine-year period. This expense was based on future water usage and DEQ requirements. The more we conserve, the less infrastructure we will have to create and maintain.
Q. Can the City use monies in the water/sewer fund for unrelated water and sewer expenditures?
A. Southport has two enterprise funds, a water/sewer enterprise fund, and an electric enterprise fund.
No…Enterprise fund money can only be spent on a specific purpose, such as water/sewer or electric-related spending. The funding comes from fees related to the fund’s mission. An enterprise fund is a separate accounting and financial reporting mechanism for which revenues and expenditures are segregated into a fund with financial statements separate from all other governmental activities.
Q. What are our water and sewer utility service goals?
A. The City is waiting for grant approval to fund a merger analysis with Brunswick County Water/Sewer Utility System.
The purpose of this grant is to provide funding for an analysis based on our Water and Sewer Infrastructure Inventory Analysis reports and Brunswick County’s requirements for assuming our water and sewer infrastructure. This will help us design a Capital Improvement Plan that will facilitate a merger with the county.
In North Carolina, the trend is for municipalities to merge with County operated water/sewer utilities. This helps communities to take advantage of economies of scale which will result in lower rates.
Q. When will I see this increase on my bill?
A. The rate increases are effective with the February 2022 billing. They will be reflected on the February utility bill, which you will receive in early March.
The bill that you receive in February reflects the previous month’s usage and rates (January) prior to the increase.
Q. What resources are available for those that need assistance with their utility bills?
A. There are two programs available to residents that qualify:
- NCDHHS Low Income Household Water Assistance Program: The State of North Carolina has been awarded more than $38 million in federal funding to establish a new water assistance program for households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households that have had their water services cut off or have received notice that their water services are in danger of being cut off can apply for assistance in paying their bill through a new federal program called the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). Click here for more details.
- Neighbors 4 Neighbors: This program, specifically for Southport residents, was established by the Board of Aldermen to assist citizens struggling to pay sewer bills. If you need assistance, please contact Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA) at 910-754-4766 to see if you qualify. In addition, an Intake Specialist with BFA will be available in Southport at Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E Nash St. Please call BFA for the schedule.
Electric Service Administration
Finance Department
New Services, Billing and Rates
Tel: (910) 457-7900
Electrical Superintendent
Paul ‘Ellie’ Pittenger | Tel: (910) 457-7938
Email
Department Administrative Assistant
Jackie Smith | Tel: (910) 457-7935
Email
Electric Service Rates
Rates Effective July 2023
Residential:
Base Rate: $23.00/month
Rate Code: $/kWh
SR0: $0.127
SR1: $0.117
SR2: $0.107
SR3: $0.097
SR4: $0.087
Commercial:
Base Rate: $25.50/month
Rate Code: $/kWh
SC0: $0.127
SC1: $0.117
SC2: $0.107
SC3: $0.097
SC4: $0.087
Commercial Demand:
Base Rate: $75.00/month
Usage: $0.05710/kWh
CP Demand: $32.72/kW
Excess: $2.50/kW (NCP-CP)
Large Commercial Demand:
Base Rate: $75.00/month
Usage: $0.05980/kWh
CP Demand: $26.00/kW
Excess: $4.00/kW (NCP-CP)
Rooftop Solar Rates
BUY ALL/SELL ALL
Base Rate: $23.00/month + $3.75
Rate Code: $/kWh
SP15: $0.0665
NET METERED
Base Rate: $28.00/month
Rate Code: $/kWh
SP30: $0.125*
*Load Management Program is applicable
On this page: Household Garbage | Yard Debris | Safety Tips | Brunswick County Waste Convenience Centers
Household Garbage
serviced every Tuesday
For questions about pickup: Waste Industries, A GFL Company, Phone: 910-253-4177
GFL Environmental will only pick up household garbage if it is in the proper container (95-gallon roll-out cart). Please do not mix household garbage with recycling and/or yard waste; do not mix one waste with any other waste. Please have a container to curb by 6 a.m.
For new residents and/or replacement carts, contact Brunswick County Solid Waste at 910-253-2520. For cart repair, contact GFL at 910-253-4177.
The cart roll-out for handicapped persons will be provided upon request and completion of the required paperwork.
Holiday Trash Service
Unless otherwise noted, service that falls on the holidays listed below will be completed the following day, and service for subsequent days in the same week will also be completed one day later. In the event that a holiday falls on a regularly closed business day, service for that week will continue as normal.
- New Year’s Day | Office: CLOSED, Collection: OPEN
- Good Friday | Office: CLOSED, Collection: OPEN
- Memorial Day | Office: CLOSED, Collection: OPEN
- Independence Day | Office: CLOSED, Collection: OPEN
- Labor Day | Office: CLOSED, Collection: OPEN
- Thanksgiving | Office: CLOSED, Collection: CLOSED. Thursday’s route will be rescheduled to that Saturday.
- Christmas | Office: CLOSED, Collection: CLOSED. The collection schedule will be adjusted and announced in advance by GFL Environmental.
Yard Debris
serviced every Wednesday
Construction Waste Removal DBA Brush Bandit will only pick up the following yard waste per residence (any reasonable combination is acceptable):
- 2 approved resident-owned and maintained 95-gallon roll-out carts OR
- Up to 15 biodegradable paper bags (no plastic bags of any type accepted) OR
- Up to 4 securely tied bundles (max 5’ long & 50 pounds in weight).
Note: Yard debris carts are not provided by the city. However, 95-gallon roll-out carts can be purchased from the third-party vendor of your choice or directly from Brush Bandit. They can be reached by email.
Yard Waste will not be serviced if:
- Trash or recycle carts are used.
- Trash or recycling is mixed in with yard waste in an approved yard waste cart.
- No vacant lots will be serviced.
Yard Debris Removal Guidelines
Safety Tips
BAG ALL LANDFILL TRASH: By bagging your trash, especially items like used tissues, it is easier to keep viruses and bacteria away from our critical service employees.
COMPLETELY EXTINGUISH GRILLING COALS: If hot ashes are dumped into the trash truck, a fire will start.
EMPTY ALL LIQUIDS: Liquids can carry viruses and bacteria, and can splash onto drivers when trash and recyclables are emptied. When bottles, cans, and other containers are emptied before going in carts, the risk is minimized.
KEEP ALL RECYCLING CLEAN AND LOOSE: When recycling is loose, it is easier to handle on our sorting line. Removing food and liquid residue from your recyclables minimizes viruses and bacteria as well!
WIPE/DISINFECT CART HANDLES AND LIDS: The two main touch points on a cart for our drivers are the lid and the handles. By wiping those areas down with disinfectant or soapy water, you minimize the danger of shared contact areas.
SEAL AND MARK ALL SHARPS/NEEDLES: Properly dispose of medical sharp objects such as syringes by placing them in a sealed, rigid plastic container. Seal the container in duct tape, clearly mark it as “Sharps,” and place it in the trash.
Brunswick County Waste Convenience Centers
Brunswick County Convenience Centers accept residential solid waste from Brunswick County only.
Some rates are given based on a standard-sized pickup truck. Trucks larger than a standard pickup truck must dispose of waste at the Bolivia Landfill and are subject to landfill tipping fees.
For accurate pricing, please separate materials when loading your vehicle.
When transporting items in a pick-up truck or trailer, be sure to do so safely! Properly secure items in the truck bed, cover loose material that could fly out and use a red flag on items that extend beyond the truck bed.
Location and Hours
Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
- 746 Seaside Road SW, Sunset Beach
- (910) 579-9932
- 9921 Chappell Loop Road SE, Leland
- (910) 371-9471
- 1709 Oxpen Road SW, Supply
- (910) 842-9523
- 8392 River Road SE, Southport
- (910) 457-9484
Book Swap Program
Brunswick County Solid Waste & Recycling has a book swap building located at each Convenience Center. The building is open to all Brunswick County property owners and residents. You may bring old books and magazines to the building and leave them for others to take, and you may take books or magazines for your personal use.
This program is a free program. You do not have to bring a book or magazine to take one.
Questions concerning the program may be directed to the Brunswick County Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 910-253-2520 or email them here.
Recycling Bins
The City provides a blue recycling cart that is picked up bi-weekly. We are encouraging all residents who have not participated in this program to please do so and to take personal responsibility in doing their part to recycle. If you do not have a cart, please call (910) 457-7900, option 1.
Brunswick County Waste Convenience Centers will accept recyclables at no charge. For additional information and details, please visit: https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/solid-waste-and-recycling/recycling/
Recycling Schedule
every other Tuesday
Recycling is every two weeks for each residence.
- Schedule “A” will be on the West side of Howe St & Rivermist.
- Schedule “B” will be the East side of Howe St.
What to Recycle
Old soda bottles and empty milk jugs are no longer just garbage. They must be recycled. A new state law took effect October 1, 2009 that prohibits all plastic bottles from being disposed of in landfills. For several years, the City of Southport has offered curbside recycling to all residences within our city limits.
The following items may be placed into your recycling bin:
- Aluminum and steel cans (clean)
- Newspapers, mixed papers, junk mail, magazines and paperboard (i.e. cereal boxes)
- Plastic containers #1 and #2 (jugs, bottles, tubs and jars). No single use items accepted.
- Corrugated cardboard (boxes must be broken down & flattened)
- Green, brown and clear glass containers (clean)
- Do not place items in plastic garbage bags or store bags.
- Do not put plastic store bags in recycle bins. Return bags to area stores for recycling.
Current City Tax Rate
$0.2750 per $100 of
assessed property value**
Current year Southport City Taxes are collected by the Brunswick County Tax Collector. For questions about your current tax bill contact them at:
Brunswick County Tax Collection
Phone: 910.253.2729
Toll-Free: 800.222.0593
Email
Brunswick Co. Tax Records
2023 Revaluation Information & FAQ
Q: What is a revaluation/reappraisal?
A: A revaluation, or reappraisal, is an updating of tax values to bring them back in line with the current sale price of properties. Brunswick County conducts a Reappraisal every four years. The last Reappraisal was effective January 1, 2019.
Q: When will the next revaluation/reappraisal take place?
A: The next County-wide reappraisal for Brunswick County is effective January 1, 2023. Brunswick County revaluation/reappraisals are completed in-house and should be completed in February 2023
Q: Is everyone getting a revaluation/reappraisal or just me?
A: The revaluation includes every parcel in Brunswick County.
Q: What is market value?
A: Market value is defined as “the price estimated in terms of money at which the property would change hands between a willing and financially able buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or to sell and both having reasonable knowledge of all the uses to which the property is adapted and for which it is capable of being used.”
Q: Is my property value going up?
A: Not necessarily, however, the majority of properties are selling for substantially above the 2019 revaluation/reappraisal rate.
Q: Is my tax bill going up?
A: When tax values go up, tax rates generally come down. If a revenue neutral tax rate is used, then the average property owner will pay about the same amount of taxes as they did before the revaluation.
Q: What is a Revenue Neutral Tax Rate?
A: This is the tax rate that would bring in the same tax dollars using the new values as the old rate would have using the old values. At revenue neutral, the increased values do not result in increased tax revenue. Brunswick County is required to publish the revenue neutral tax rate but is not required to adopt it. The City of Southport will adopt the tax rate no later than the end of June 2023. Do not estimate your current value based on the 2019 tax rate.
Q: What if I have questions about my new value?
A: You may be able to find the answer to your question by reviewing your tax record. Visit brunsco.net to locate your property record. If you still have questions, you may call Brunswick County Tax Office at (910) 253-2829, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and they’ll be happy to assist you.
Q: What if I disagree with my value?
A: You can submit an appeal to Brunswick County Tax Office. You may do this online, by mail, or in person. Call (910) 253-2829 for more details.
Q: What are valid reasons to appeal my value?
- Property value is significantly higher or lower than its actual fair market value as of January 1, 2023.
- Property value is inconsistent with the values of similar properties.
Q: What are invalid reasons to appeal my value?
- Percentage Increase or Decrease from the previous assessed value.
- Percentage Increase or Decrease as compared to any area’s average increase or decrease (county, region, area, neighborhood, etc.)
- Your financial ability to pay any anticipated tax. (Note: An increase or decrease in value does not mean you will pay more or fewer taxes.)
Q: Is this required?
A: Yes, property revaluation/reappraisal is a State-mandated task.
Q: Does my property have to be reappraised?
A: While North Carolina state law does not allow anyone to “opt out” of the property revaluation process, residents may qualify for relief. Among them are the Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exclusion, the Disabled Veteran Homestead Exclusion, and the Homestead Circuit Breaker. Also, properties presently used for agriculture, horticulture or farmland may qualify for relief. To find out more about tax relief, call the Brunswick County Tax Office at 910-253-2811, or email [email protected].
Q: Can I opt out?
A: No.
Q: Whom can I contact if I have more questions?
The Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions of the City. These functions include utility billing, accounts payable, accounting and financial reporting, delinquent tax bills, payroll, business licensing, cash receipts, cash management, as well as numerous other functions.
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, (910) 457-7900
City Hall
Utility Department
1029 N. Howe Street, Southport, NC 28461
(910) 457-7900, Option 1
Email Utility Department
Lance Flint
Finance Director
Email
910-457-7906
Brandon Stevens
Deputy Finance Director
Email
910-457-7900 ext. 1031
Teresa Jones
Tax Collector/Finance Specialist
Email
910-457-7920
Kelly Tooley
Utility Dept. Customer Service Representative
Email
910-457-7900, option 1
Angie Bates
Accounts Payable
Email
910-457-7964
Amity Foreman
CSR/Utility Billing Specialist
Email
(910) 457-7900, option 1
Kari McColl
Payroll/Benefits Technician
Email
910-457-7900 ext. 1012
2023 Southport Symposium featuring Finance & Utilities
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