Water, Sewer Rates Set to Increase for Starkville Residents
Starkville residents will likely see an increase in water and sewer rates soon, driven by the need for substantial capital improvements. The proposed rate rise was presented during a board of aldermen workshop, by Starkville Utilities General Manager Edward Kemp. According to the plan, the city requires at least an additional $2 million in water revenue and $1 million in sewer revenue each year.
Proposed Changes to Rates
To raise the necessary funds, Kemp has proposed an increase to the base monthly rate for water by $2.50, and a $4.75 increase for sewer use. Also, there will be a rise in the variable rate charged for monthly usage above 1,000 gallons; 50 cents for water and $2 for sewer. As a breakdown, the current rate structure has customers paying a base rate of $6, and a variable rate of $4.50 for both services.
“The cost of capital improvements for wastewater is greater than that required for the water,” Kemp stated. He also anticipates that the data currently being collected by Starkville Utilities will reveal that wastewater processing costs exceed those of water.
If the proposed increases are approved, the new base water rate will rise to $8.50 for the first 1,000 gallons and $5 for each additional 1,000 gallons. While for sewer use, the base rate will become $10.75, with a variable rate of $6.50.
Projected Impact on Average Bill
Jason Barnett, a water and wastewater specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, has estimated the potential impact of the changes on customers. For an average household, typically using around 3,000 gallons of water per month, the bill will likely increase by $11.68. For those consuming 4,000 gallons, the rise will be approximately $13.85.
“This is a proactive approach. It’s imperative we stay ahead of capacity and ensure reliable and efficient operation of our facilities,” Kemp stated. The rate for water and sewer services last saw an increase in 2022.
Upcoming Capital Improvements
On the agenda for capital improvements, the immediate focus on the sewer side is an $8.9 million project. This project aims to replace the six aerators at the wastewater treatment plant, which suffered failure in 2019. The city currently has approximately half of the funds required for the project from city, county, and state American Rescue Plan Act contributions.
Looking forward, in the next three to five years, Kemp intends to install new headworks, a project estimated to cost $6 million, allowing for further capacity growth in the system. Additionally, several water upgrades are planned in the short-to-moderate term, including the replacement of aging water lines and upgrades to water treatment facilities. The highlight of the plan is the introduction of a new $3 million production well.
Support for the Plan
Mayor Lynn Spruill has given her backing to the plan, arguing that it is essential for tackling the city’s aging water and sewer lines. “I’m obviously in the mode of being the best we can be… with our infrastructure,” she commented. “Though it might not seem exciting, as it is not clearly visible, if you do not have the basic infrastructure of water and sewer, then you’re neglecting one of your primary duties as a government.”
