Starkville Residents Face Increased Utility Fees Starting November 1
Residents of Starkville are in for a shift in their water and sewer bills, as the Board of Aldermen announced an increase in utility fees. This change is set to take effect on November 1, following a decision made during a recent board meeting.
Why Are the Fees Going Up?
The primary reason for this increase stems from a recent rate hike by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which has raised its charges to the city by 3.2%. Ward 3 Alderman Jeffrey Rupp explained that to keep pace with these new costs, Starkville must adjust its utility pricing. Starkville Utilities General Manager Edward Kemp shared that the additional revenue would fund several critical water and sewer projects throughout the city, many of which will require millions of dollars to complete.
Details of the Fee Increase
The board voted in favor of an amended proposal by Ward 5 Alderman Hamp Beatty, which includes a $6 combined rate increase for residents within the city limits. Specifically, there will be an extra $3 added to the water’s base rate and another $3 to the sewer’s base rate. The vote passed with a narrow 4-3 majority.
As for those living outside the city limits, they will face a hefty 50% increase. The base water rates will jump from $6 to $13.50, while the variable water rate will increase from $4.50 to $6.75. Additionally, base sewer rates will rise from $6 to $19.50, and variable sewer rates will also go up from $4.50 to $6.75.
The Rationale Behind the Increase
During the discussions, Alderman Beatty emphasized the importance of showing residents where their additional payments are being utilized. He argued that residents would want to see something concrete for what they’re paying for instead of just operational costs. His perspective is that improvements in water and sewer infrastructure are essential and that residents deserve transparency regarding how their money is spent.
Alternative Proposals on the Table
Ward 2 Alderwoman Sandra Sistrunk had initially suggested higher base rates, proposing to increase water fees from $6 to $9 per month and sewer fees from $6 to $13 per month. However, her motion was met with opposition and was ultimately rejected by the board.
Interestingly, Sistrunk voted against Beatty’s proposal as well, citing concerns that the increase wouldn’t sufficiently support necessary infrastructure projects. She warned that the board might need to revisit utility rates in less than a year, suggesting that the current plans could fall short of long-term needs.
Looking Ahead
Amidst this discussion, General Manager Kemp reported that about $2 million from extra utility funds is typically allocated to the Capital Improvement Plan fund, implying a robust approach towards necessary upgrades. Nonetheless, there seems to be a difference of opinion among the board members on how best to approach these critical infrastructure funding needs. Vice Mayor Roy A’. Perkins expressed resistance to increasing sewer fees during the same meeting, advocating for a more focused discussion on water rates first.
In Conclusion
As Starkville prepares for these changes, both residents and the Board of Aldermen are grappling with the implications of increased utility fees. It remains to be seen how this will shape the city’s approach to infrastructural improvements and the ongoing management of water and sewer systems.
