Waynesboro Natural Gas
The City of Waynesboro prides itself on providing natural gas to its customers at
the lowest cost possible. However, the price that the City pays for natural gas
has increased over the last several years. This increase is mainly due to recent
increases in demand. Several large electrical generating plants that are fueled by
natural gas have been constructed. When the demand for gas goes up, so does
the price. In the past, the City has been able to absorb the small monthly gas
rate fluctuations. Unfortunately, these increases have been passed on to our
customers. The City of Waynesboro will continue to work with the Municipal Gas
Authority of Georgia and Southern Natural Gas to search for ways to stabilize the
cost of gas during a volatile market.
In order to keep the amount that we charge for natural gas at the lowest possible
rate, the City Council has approved the use of a variable rate. Basically, when
gas goes up, the City can cover its costs for providing the service. Likewise,
when the rate goes down, the savings can be passed onto our customers. We
have been assured by our supplies, the Georgia Municipal Gas Authority, that
exploration and pumping of gas has shifted into high gear. As soon as the market
levels out, the price should drop to a more normal level.
Contact the Gas Department for information on tap fees.
Several customers have called recently to determine whether the use of gas is
still less expensive than the use of electricity. It is. If gas was more expensive
than electricity, the power companies across the U.S. would not be using gas as
their fuel source to make electricity.
REBATES
Waynesboro also offers several rebates for gas products such as gas furnaces,
grills, and gas logs. If you have an electric or propane hot-water heater, we will
give you a gas hot-water heater for free and a $150 rebate. If you have
questions concerning our rebates, call the Gas department at 554-8034
Water Services
The City of Waynesboro operates its own water system. Water is collected from Briar Creek and
treated at the Water Treatment Plant on Highway 56 and pumped from two (2) wells located on West
6th Street and Highway 25 North.
Rate Schedule
a. The rate is $3.75 per 1000 gallons of metered water plus a service charge based on meter size.
b. Non-Residence of the City will be charged an additional, $0.124 per 1000 gallons of metered
water.
Contact City Hall for tap fees or for additional information.
Wastewater Services
The City of Waynesboro has contracted with OMI to operate its own sanitary sewer system.
Sewage is treated at the Waste Water Treatment Plant located off Woodland Road.
There shall be a charge of $3.99 per 1,000 gallons of metered water plus $3.69 service charge.
Contact City Hall for other information and tap charges.
Building Inspection
The City of Waynesboro provides its own building inspection and code enforcement.
Building inspection insures safe building practices and code compliance. Waynesboro has
adopted the Southern Standard Building Code. Permit fees are charged as follows
(Appendix B):
Permits Fees
Total Valuation Fee
$1,000 and less $15.00 fee for $1,000 and less.
Where work for which a permit is required by this Code is started or proceeded prior to
obtaining said permit, the fee herein specified shall be doubled, but the payment of
such double fee shall not relieve any persons from fully complying with the requirements
of this code in the execution of the work nor from any other penalties prescribed herein.
You may contact the Building Inspector by calling (706) 554-8000.
Historic Preservation Program
As a part of a Housing Improvement Initiative, the City of Waynesboro has developed a
Historic Preservation Program. The City Council of Waynesboro has passed a Historic
Preservation Ordinance, appointed a Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and
designated a Historic District. All individuals living in or owning property in the District
were sent two letters. The first inviting them to a public hearing to discuss the
designation of the district and second notifying them of the approval of the district. A
map is available for public inspection at City Hall. The purpose for passing Historic
Preservation legislation is to protect and stabilize older neighborhoods. The City’s goal is
to prevent these structures from declining and becoming dilapidated.
The owners or residents in the District are now required to apply for and receive a
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) prior to making any material change to the
appearance of their property. The following items are examples of such changes
requiring a COA:
constructing a new structure or addition
constructing a new fence
removing large hedge rows
removing large trees (except for during emergency situations)
changing the exterior features of a structure including railing, dormers, posts and
columns, driveways and sidewalks.
Changes to the interior of a structure or selection of paint colors do not require a
Certificate of Appropriateness.
An application for a COA is available at City Hall or on-line. COAs should be submitted 30
days prior to the Commission meeting. Once a COA is returned to City Hall, a notice will
be placed in the True Citizen, a sign will be posted at the property, copies of the
application will be sent to the Commission members and a letter will be sent to the
applicant notifying him or her of the time and date of the public hearing. At this time,
the HPC has a regular scheduled meeting on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.
m. Special Called meetings may be scheduled if necessary. Applicants are required to
attend the meeting and will have an opportunity to be heard. At the meeting, the HPC
will either approve, approve with conditions or modifications or reject the request for a
Certificate of Appropriateness. The Commission will notify the applicant by mail of the
results of his or her request. If an application requires conditions or modifications or is
denied, further information pertaining to the right of appeal to the City Council will be
provided. Building permits will not be issued for such projects until a COA has been
approved.
Obtaining a COA will add additional time to the process of completing changes or
projects. The City and the HPC is currently working to streamline this process.
