Jefferson residents may soon have to pay even more in water rates.

The City Council approved at their most recent meeting in August to amend the ordinance to increase water rates to five percent. City Administrator Mike Palmer says the Council has kept the water rate increases to three percent for several years, but that is no longer a sustainable method.

“We’re still losing about $40,000 a year. We made up for that by maybe not putting away as much towards plant replacement. Unfortunately with the rising prices that we’re seeing, we just can’t do that anymore.”

Palmer points out that the increase costs of chemicals and regular water plant maintenance, along with saving some funds to replace the facility, have all led to the larger percentage of water rates.

“Our plant is 25 years old, it’s near the end of its life. The Council has done a great job over the years of acquiring additional property to expand the plant. They’ve also authorized our engineering firm to do a study of the plant (and) what its condition is.”  

The Council must approve two additional readings of the amended ordinance before the five percent increase can take effect. Palmer anticipates the increase to first appear on the December billing statement.