Former Boiling Springs mayor defends town’s planning amid water-rate concerns
By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Former Boiling Springs Mayor Daniel Thomas complimented the town’s leadership and defended its long-term planning during Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, acknowledging residents’ concerns over rising water bills while arguing that maintaining aging infrastructure comes at a cost.
Thomas, who served on the Town Council from 2015 to 2021 before being elected mayor in 2021, addressed the council on Oct. 6, saying he wanted to recognize the work being done in the town where he grew up.
His comments came weeks after residents voiced frustration over increases in water and sewer rates, with several telling the council that higher bills were straining household budgets and questioning whether the town had adequately communicated the changes.
“The reality is that the infrastructure is 70 or 80 years old in a lot of cases,” Thomas said. “That’s not just a Boiling Springs problem. That’s a national problem.”
Thomas cited aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, the expense of maintaining clean drinking water and lingering costs associated with Hurricane Helene as heavy challenges facing municipalities.
He also referenced emerging water contaminants, including so-called forever chemicals, as another factor contributing to the cost of providing clean water.
“The Helene costs are still out there,” Thomas said. “We’ll need federal and state help if we’re ever going to catch up completely.”
Water rates remain a concern
Boiling Springs recently increased water and sewer rates by roughly 15%, although some residents have reported increases far exceeding that amount.
During the September council meeting, residents Thom Bates, Shelia Canipe, Lisa Faile and Karma Edwards addressed the council about the financial impact of the changes.
Canipe told council members her water bill had increased from $55.20 when she moved to her home to $152.40. Faile said her bill had risen from $80 to $141, raising concerns about affordability for residents on fixed incomes.
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Residents also questioned whether smaller, gradual increases could have reduced the burden on households and called for better communication before major rate changes take effect.
Town Manager Zachary Parker said in September that the utility’s expenses include replacing water and sewer lines, debt obligations and routine operating costs. He also said the town had received approximately $20 million in grants to help offset infrastructure expenses.
Parker explained that the utility must account for its debt and operating costs when setting rates.
Thomas acknowledged that the increases affect him personally but expressed support for the council’s approach.
“I don’t like paying more on my water bill, either,” stated Thomas. “But I do appreciate your forward thinking on that.”
He also recognized the difficulty elected officials face when decisions intended to address long-term needs result in immediate frustration among residents.
“I appreciate your willingness to take the hit,” Thomas said. “I know it’s always difficult to have citizens fuss at you.”
Thomas opposes proposed property-tax limits
Thomas also urged voters to oppose a proposed North Carolina constitutional amendment that would require the General Assembly to enact limits on local property-tax increases.
The amendment is separate from the town’s water and sewer rates, but Thomas argued that restrictions on local taxing authority could make it more difficult for municipalities to balance their budgets and maintain services.
“But towns need to be flexible,” he said.
“The only way we could deal with the budget on a local level would be to force cuts if that amendment were to pass,” explained Thomas.
The proposed amendment is scheduled to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. It would require state lawmakers to establish limits on increases in local property-tax levies rather than setting a specific cap by the municipalities.
Praises town improvements, community events
While addressing the council, Thomas also praised recent improvements to the town’s courtyard and mural, saying the projects helped highlight Boiling Springs’ history and character.
He specifically mentioned the courtyard’s appearance and its significance to the surrounding area, including his visits to his father’s grave.
“That’s just beautiful,” Thomas said. “It really highlights the area and focuses on the history of Boiling Springs.”
Thomas also commended the town’s community events, its communication with residents through social media and activities organized by the police department.
“It costs money, but it makes our town better,” he noted.
He concluded by encouraging town leaders to protect the nearby Broad River Greenway, which he described as his favorite place in the area.
“It’s still my favorite place around,” added Thomas.
Thomas served as mayor until 2025. During his final full public meeting that October, he urged town leaders to preserve Boiling Springs’ nonpartisan political culture, saying local government should remain focused on serving residents rather than advancing political parties.
Thomas described serving his hometown as a privilege, noting that he had spent most of his life in Boiling Springs.
His remarks Tuesday returned to a similar theme: the importance of maintaining and improving the community, even when doing so requires difficult financial decisions.
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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.
The Shelby Independent.
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