To stay alive, one of two things can happen. One, utility rates go up, or two, management cuts cost. With right at 30 years covering County Clay management leadership, we have never seen an attempt to reduce costs.
The way it normally works is, to get higher rates approved by the W Va Public Service Commission, additional expenses are easy pick ins. Usually buildings are built or upgraded, new trucks are purchased, oh heck, sure, new puter systems have to be purchased.
Why does new overhead work? According to the W Va PSC creed, their number one goal is to keep the providers operating in the black, a guaranteed profit is the name of the game. Raise your hand if you know of any other business that is guaranteed a profit or they get a rate increase. Not many hands went up.
Beginning Jan 1st 2026, sewer rates in the Town of Clay will increase by 26%. In Town there are maybe 30 for profit businesses. We're guessing so that 30 number may be a stretch. None of um are getting rich.
Think that increase doesn't matter? Want affect you? If you shop in Clay, somebody (you) has to pay for the increase. If you run a business in Clay and since you are already trying to compete with big box stores, customers will feel the pinch and make the trip out of county for goods and services.
Welcome to the continuing struggle of staying alive in the outback. Welcome to 2026.
AW
