Water Controversy Brewing In Denmark, SC

Denmark, SC—There is a big controversy brewing in Denmark. The city of Denmark is proposing a big increase in city water rates to pay for a major rennovation project.

The city has proposed a 45 percent water rate increase for all water users. The water system needs major structural repairs and major money to pay for it. The city needs $300,000 to meet operating expenses, replace decreasing revenues, put in new fire hydrants, and replace two wells.

Johnnie Rosa, Denmark, SC: “We can’t afford the 45 percent hike. Senior citizens cannot afford it. Those people here on low income, which are many, many families, because we don’t have jobs here. It is a financially deprived jobs area. And so, there are going to be many people suffering because of this rate increase.“

Mayor Gerald Wright, Denmark, SC: “I hate to do an increase, but we’ve got to do that if we’re going to put our system in a position to be viable.“

There is a public meeting at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, in Denmark at the Brooker Center to discuss the issue.