CAMILLA, Ga. (WALB) - A newly approved utility rate increase in Camilla is drawing concern from residents and shining new light on years of financial losses inside the city’s electric department.

Two residents said the higher bills come at a time when many families are already stretched thin.

City records show the electric department has reported losses for four consecutive years. The city’s 2024 audit revealed a $5.4 million decrease in net position, the largest decline in that period, continuing a downward trend dating back to 2021.

According to audit data:

• 2024: -$5.48 million
• 2023: -$1.73 million
• 2022: -$857,806
• 2021: -$163,346

An independent auditor advised city leaders to seek professional guidance to reverse the direction of those losses.

A separate study conducted by Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG) in 2023 presented two possible financial paths: one scenario warned funds could be depleted within a few years without rate changes, while another recommended gradual increases and savings measures intended to return the system to stability.

The disagreement

City leaders are divided on how to interpret the numbers and whether a rate increase was necessary.

Councilman Corey Morgan voted against it, arguing the fund is stable and the city had other options to avoid raising rates on residents.

Mayor Pro Tem Dewayne Burley said he supports the increase, saying it addresses years of financial strain and ensures reliable service.

Burley released a statement that acknowledged residents’ frustration but said the decision was based on what he described as financial realities facing the city.

Mayor Pro Tem’s full statement:

“My priority is ensuring residents have accurate information and full context. I understand and acknowledge the concerns and frustration surrounding the recent Power Cost Adjustment rate increase. Those concerns are valid, and no one takes increases lightly.

My vote on the Power Cost Adjustment was based on the City’s responsibility to cover the actual costs of generating and purchasing power and to maintain financial stability and reliable service.

Information related to this issue was presented to some staff and management in 2024; however, the full scope of the information was not formally presented to the City Council at that time. When the matter was eventually brought before the Council, we chose to act based on the financial realities facing the City and the professional analysis provided. That decision was made collectively and with the long-term sustainability of our utilities in mind.

When the City receives power-related rebates, I believe those savings should be passed on to our residents whenever possible. I am a lifelong resident of Camilla. If your light bill increases, mine increases too—not only in my home, but at my business as well. What affects our residents affects me. As an elected official, my responsibility is to make the best decisions for the City—not the most convenient decisions for myself.

I maintain an open-door policy and welcome respectful, fact-based dialogue. However, I do not intend to engage in slander, intimidation, misinformation, or unchecked rhetoric. Our residents deserve facts—not hearsay or falsehoods.

Camilla has faced significant challenges over the past several years, and it is critical that we communicate responsibly. My focus remains on transparency, stability, and moving our community forward together."

Councilman Corey Morgan’s thoughts

WALB sat down with Councilman Corey Morgan, who voted against the rate increase. Below is the full transcript of the interview:

WALB: You voted against the increase, why?

MORGAN: “This is an example of historical corporate greed that has been a long-time practice of this city and some would argue others as well.

What we are seeing is a historical pattern of treating our municipal services like a profit center rather than a public service. I am committed to ensuring we use the resources we already have effectively before we even think about asking the taxpayers for another dime."

WALB: The mayor pro tem’s documents show the city has been losing money over the past four years. Is this true, and will the increase help with the financial crisis in the city if there is one?

MORGAN: “To clarify the narrative: The city of Camilla is not ‘losing’ money. What is being referenced is a strategic decision to reinvest the Municipal Competitive Trust—a fund built up over decades from ratepayer utility bills—back into our community. Using reserve funds for their intended purpose—improvement and infrastructure—is an investment, not a loss. And if my memory serves me correct, a former majority of the governing authority for the Camilla City Council over the last four years chose to do just that.

$3 million Community Resource Center that now houses the Boys & Girls Club.

$1 million-plus to rehab a very unstable sewage project—that was on the verge of shutting down completely. That would have had major impacts on both residential and commercial customers.

We approved—for the first time ever—Utility Rebates to ALL Camilla Ratepayers and created a model to continue providing these rebates out of the annual rebate that MEAG cities receive.

Again, its important to actualize that the funds that are being discussed here are separate from the city’s general operating account. These are additional funds that the city has accumulated over the years. MCT. Which are also separate from Surplus/Reserves and Rainy Day funds.

I think it would shock many to know that, in Camilla’s 100-plus year history, that we have never had an official policy on the books that governs a reserve account.

In fact, MEAG gave great guidance in 2018 on how cities can use their MCT Funds: In their 2018 annual report, MEAG provides the following:

‘In 2008, the threat of deregulation no longer existed, and MEAG Power was able to effectuate amendments to the MCT allowing the trust funds to be utilized for the purpose of lowering the Participants’ wholesale power supply cost…. As a result of one of these amendments each community has benefited from a reduction in their power costs, some have elected to use the additional financial capacity to fund: infrastructure, economic development, downtown renovation and more.’"

WALB: Does the city consider the electric department financially stable?

MORGAN: “At our most recent FY23-24 Audit it was confirmed on the record by city financial officers that our funds are abundantly stable. Our Finance Director reported that the city has had no issues in paying its electric bills.”

WALB: Could residents face additional increases if the current adjustment does not stabilize the fund?

MORGAN: “The short answer is this: If my colleagues on this Council want to stabilize the MCT then no rate increase is warranted. We receive up to $1 million annually in rebate returns. The proof is in ratepayer’s electric bills. They are already high. It is my opinion, that MCT funds, when applicable, should not be sitting when residents struggle with high bills.

This is an example of historical corporate greed that has been a long-time practice of this city and some would argue others as well.

What we are seeing is a historical pattern of treating our municipal services like a profit center rather than a public service. I am committed to ensuring we use the resources we already have effectively before we even think about asking the taxpayers for another dime."

The transparency question

Documents show that city leadership was aware of the electric fund’s decline as early as June 2024. However, the full City Council was not formally presented with comprehensive information until later, meaning residents were paying electric bills for months while some leaders knew about the problem but it was not discussed publicly.

When reached for an on-camera interview to discuss his support for the rate increase, Mayor Pro Tem Burley declined. He provided a written statement and city documents instead.

What comes next

The rate increase was approved during this week’s city meeting and is expected to take effect soon. Residents can expect at least a $3 increase on their March bill.

City leaders said discussions about stabilizing the utility system are ongoing and have committed to releasing a long-term financial plan.

WALB will continue to follow this story and update residents as more information becomes available.

Comparison to other providers

For context, other utility providers in the region have implemented their own rate changes:

• Mitchell EMC (non-profit): Serves approximately 7,996 customers in Mitchell County. Since 2023, the average bill has increased approximately 12%.
• Georgia Power (for-profit): Serves approximately 12,266 customers in Mitchell County. Since 2023, they have implemented six rate hikes totaling 9.5%, with the average bill increasing by $43.
• City of Camilla: According to an ECG study, current rates remain lower than both EMC and Georgia Power.

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