Resident asks why waste bill includes fuel surcharge; county points to West Virginia Public Service Commission

During the public-comment period, Michael Bracewell of Benwood asked county commissioners why a fuel surcharge appears on his waste-collection bill for Apple Valley and where the surcharge revenue is directed.

"I looked at my bill, and I noticed that I'm paying a fuel surcharge for the waste ban for Apple Valley. And I wonder why," Bracewell said, adding that as a resident he did not expect to pay what he understood to be a state or county obligation. "So my question is, why am I paying my fuel surcharge? And the other question is, where is that money going?"

Staff and commissioners responded that the West Virginia Public Service Commission sets those rates and is the appropriate point of contact for billing and rate questions. A staff member said, "That would be your point of contact to get your questions answered, sir, is the West Virginia Public Service Commission," and offered to provide contact assistance through county staff.

Commissioners invited Bracewell to share contact information with county staff so they could try to help obtain clarification; staff said they would call him back if they learned more.

Why it matters: The comment raises a common consumer question about telecom- or utility-style surcharges appearing on local service bills and points residents to the state regulatory body where rate-setting authority resides.

Next steps: County staff offered to help Bracewell contact the West Virginia Public Service Commission and to follow up if the commission can provide details.