Regional Utility Service Systems, also known as RUSS, is set to increase fees for users and counties. Washington County Supervisor Jack Seward explained at yesterday’s board meeting that yearly county fees will be $8,650 and are increasing due to accrued legal costs.

Also, the DNR cut $50,000 in funding and the RUSS board decided to pass that expense on to the 600 users. If that cost is distributed evenly among the users then each user would have to pay an additional $83 approximately. However, Seward stated that this may be reconsidered.

He adds that he is continuing to have conversations with other RUSS board members regarding the viability of the organization.