Starkville Residents to Face Rising Water and Sewer Rates

Starkville Residents to Face Rising Water and Sewer Rates

STARKVILLE – Starkville residents are preparing for a rise in utility costs as city authorities have proposed an increase in water and sewer rates. The stark announcement revealed that sewer would become the more expensive of these two utilities, reflecting capital improvement needs.

During an aldermen work session on Friday morning, Starkville Utilities General Manager, Edward Kemp, unveiled a long-range capital improvement plan. The plan calls for at least an additional $2 million for water revenue and $1 million for wastewater revenue annually.

To secure funds for this plan, Kemp is recommending that aldermen approve a $2.50 increase to the base monthly rate for water and a $4.75 increase for the base rate for sewer. The variable rate, applying to monthly usage of over 1,000 gallons, is set to increase by 50 cents for water and $2 for sewer. Currently, the residents pay a base rate of $6 and a variable rate of $4.50 for both utilities.

Funding Capital Improvements

Kemp justified these proposed hikes by explaining that capital improvements for wastewater are likely to require more funding than those for water. He further speculated that the data currently being gathered by Starkville Utilities would confirm higher costs implicated in processing wastewater through its system than water.

If the proposed increases get an approval on Tuesday, the new base water rate would rise to $8.50 for the first 1,000 gallons and $5 for each additional 1,000 gallons. The base rate for sewer would rise to $10.75 with a variable rate of $6.50.

Impact on Residents

Jason Barrett, a water and wastewater specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, has estimated that a customer using 3,000 gallons of water per month would see an increase of approximately $11.68 on their bill. This increment would rise slightly to $13.85 for a 4,000-gallon user. Kemp informed that the average household consumption sits at around 2,800 gallons per month.

He emphasized the proactive nature of this approach, stating, “It’s imperative we stay ahead of capacity and make sure what we have is working reliably and efficiently as possible.” Starkville Utilities last increased water and sewer rates in 2022.

A Look into the Future

Regarding immediate improvements, Starkville Utilities is focusing on replacing six aerators at the wastewater treatment plant, a project which is expected to cost $8.9 million. Mayor Lynn Spruill expressed confidence in completing this project by the end of 2025 using city, county, and state American Rescue Plan Act funds.

In the mid-term, Starkville Utilities plans to replace aging water lines and upgrade water treatment facilities. The most expensive foreseeable cost, a new $3 million production well, has been highlighted by Kemp.

Mayor Spruill strongly endorsed the plan, stating: “I understand it’s not sexy. It’s not above ground. People don’t see it. But if you don’t have the basic infrastructure of water and sewer, then you’re neglecting one of your primary duties as a government.”