Published: September 06, 2008 11:36 pm      

GEUS board to host budget public hearing

GREENVILLE — GEUS General Manager David McCalla has predicted the local electric utility system and its cable television/Internet access arm will see both increased revenues, and increased expenditures, during the coming year.

The utility’s board of trustees is scheduled to conduct the annual public hearing on the budget during a special meeting, starting at 6 p.m. Monday in the GEUS Service Center, 6000 Joe Ramsey Boulevard.

McCalla has estimated GEUS’ total budgeted operating revenue will increase by about $8.76 million, or 16 percent, in fiscal year 2008/09, to almost $63.3 million, with increases expected in electric sales, electric off-system sales, as well as cable and Internet revenues.

The total operating expenses for the utility are expected to increase by about $5.45 million, or approximately 10 percent, in the coming year, to reach $58.76 million. McCalla said most of the increase, more than $3.5 million, will be due to the increased cost of natural gas.

The utility has not raised the base electric rate since the GEUS board was formed in 1988 and McCalla said no increase in the rate is forecast for next year.