Livingston Board of Aldermen increased water rates by 10 percent to try and deal with increasing costs.
Mayor Lori Elder Burnett said water rates need to maintain the qualifications for the State Revolving Fund Loan. Burnett said the Comptroller recommended the rate increase, as it will allow the town to maintain a solid water and sewer fund. Burnett said a loan could be used to make some necessary upgrades.
“Is to pay for some of the radio reeds and work down at the raw water plant that is already occurring,” Burnett said. “We are constantly in need of upgrading our aging water system.”
Burnett said inside the city limits, the rate for the minimum 1,000 gallons is $14.92, increasing to $16.41. Outside town limits, rates increase from $25.50 to $28.05.
Burnett said the price for 49,000 gallons per 1,000 would increase from $6.05 to $7.16 inside town limits. Outside the town, rates will change from $11.07 to $12.18.
Alderman Bruce Elder said he was concerned with affordability for the town and residents.
“I mean how much are we going to increase the average customer per month bill,” Elder said. “I mean is there anyway to estimate that?”
Burnett said the board increased the rates because they desired to do what was best for the town. The Board and the Mayor will adopt the changes in the increased rate effective immediately.
“It sounds like we are going to have to if we keep getting loans, right,” Alderman Bill Linder said. “That’s the way I think it.”
Burnett said she consulted J. R. Wauford engineers and will meet with an expert for a water study in the near future to verify the decision.
