OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE TAX IMPACT

Greenwood Utility District is proposing an O&M Tax on the November 5, 2024 ballot.  Our District features a blend of new and aging infrastructure, necessitating careful and consistent upkeep to ensure our facilities’ ongoing reliability and compliance.

The implementation of the O&M Tax aims to equitably distribute costs between residential and commercial property owners, thereby reducing the financial burden on individual homeowners. This approach ensures that all infrastructure remains in excellent condition while adhering to regulatory standards, ultimately benefiting the community.

KEY OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE TAX STATS

Learn more about the positive impact this O&M Tax has on homeowners, renters, and landlords within Greenwood Utility District.

Potential Water Usage rate increase: 74% Residential 26% Commercial

With rising costs of goods and services, the District has limited options to properly maintain and operate its facilities at current water usage rates. To keep operations running smoothly and save homeowners money, the District’s Board of Directors is proposing a $0.05 property tax per $100 of property value, which would generate $250,000 in revenue. Without this O&M Tax, the only alternative is to increase water rates by about 23%, costing homeowners an additional $6.00 per year on average.

This O&M Tax helps shift more of the financial responsibility to commercial properties, which have higher property values. Without the O&M Tax, homeowners could end up covering an even larger share of the costs. Use the calculator below to see how this tax might impact your overall water bill and taxes.

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE TAX ESTIMATION CALCULATOR

Discover if your household will save money with the passing of the O&M Tax. A complete assessment can be sent via mail if selected.

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The O&M Tax Calculator is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on as a basis for determining the amount of taxes owed to the District.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS

Use the helpful links below to ensure you are prepared to vote on Election Day on November 5, 2024.

Register to Vote

Where to Vote

What’s On The Ballot

UPCOMING EVENTS

Learn more about the Operations & Maintenance Tax at one of these events or meetings.

October Monthly Meeting

RWWTP Ribbon Cutting & Tour

FAQs

Explore the answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you do not find what you are looking for, we invite you to attend one of our in-person events or contact us at board@greenwoodud.com.

For the 2025 tax year, the District’s Board will consider an O&M Tax of $0.05 per $100 of property value.  So, if your property is valued at $100,000 and you have no exemptions, you will see an increase on your property taxes of $50.00 for the year.

This O&M Tax fund will go directly toward maintaining and operating the facilities the District owns. Major Capital Improvements are funded through bonds and paid for with a debt service tax. The Board lowered the debt service tax to $0.70 from $0.74 the previous year even with the construction of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant and Surface Water Transmission Facility, and new water well.

Currently the only way the District can collect funds to properly maintain and operate the facilities is through your monthly water bill. With rising costs of operating and maintaining the facilities, the only option would be to increase water rates.

Yes, your current tax exemptions are also applied to the O&M Tax.

If passed, the O&M Tax will be an option to collect funds indefinitely. The tax rate is approved by the Board and adjusted each year dependent on the budget set for that year. The aim is to always set rates that cover the costs and save residents the most money.

Currently homeowners pay a debt service tax. The debt service tax funds can only be used to pay back bonds that have been previously issued by the District and NOT for the operations and maintenance of the District’s facilities.

For more information about our facilities check out our facilities page.

We would love to discuss your comments or concerns at one of our events or you can contact board@greenwoodud.com

Renters do not pay property taxes. That is the responsibility of the property owner and is typically covered by your rent. Calculations for rental properties still indicate cost savings between potential increased rent to cover the new property tax and water usage.