Water rates set to rise in Cumberland

Residents in Cumberland plan to voice their outrage at a public hearing Wednesday over a proposed 60-percent water-rate hike. Cumberland Town Manager Jeff Sheridan said GEM Utilities had been operating in the red well before the town purchased it more than a year ago. Now, a study has determined the best way to balance the books is to raise rates. About 550 water customers would be affected by the change, if it's adopted. GEM now charges residents $4.73 per every 1,000 gallons used. The rate would rise to $7.57 under the proposal. By comparison, Citizens Water charges local customers a rate of $3.63 per 1,000 gallons.