Gainesboro has approved to increase water rates by two percent for the upcoming fiscal year.
Alderman Beth Young said the state is requiring Gainesboro to increase the water rates as the state has a mandate that all water systems have to make increases on an annual or sometimes bi-annual basis. Young said the two percent increase will cover the increasing cost to operate the water plant.
“Cost of chemicals, cost of repairs and maintenance to your plant, those type of things, so in order to meet the, you know, the quality and ensure the safety of our residents, we must increase those rates,” Young said.
Young said this water rate increase follows up on a two percent water rate increase that Gainesboro implemented last year. Young said most people will not see a big hike on their water bill.
“I wanna say it’s not a great deal, we raised it two percent last year, and I think my personal water bill last year it only a couple of dollars a month, if that,” Young said.
Young said the water rate increase will help the town with its water budget.
“It will give us a little more flexibility to ensure that as these costs rise, we can still meet our budget and not overextend,” Young said. “We do not want ot have to raise rates, but unfortunately, it is the nature of the beast in order to provide for the city.”
Young said the two percent increase will take effect on July 1. Gainesboro Aldermen approved the two percent water rate increase at the previous aldermen meeting.
