Livingston Proposing Increase For Water Rates In Upcoming Budget

City of Livingston expecting to increase water rates in the coming fiscal year.

Mayor Curtis Hayes said as all utility districts have seen, costs of materials are continuing to rise. He said that goes for water lines, sewer lines, and chemicals.

“So to make sure the city of Livingston is a business, and Livingston has a utility company so we have to make sure we’re staying in the black and not in the red,” Hayes said. “So a five percent water rate increase is what the Board of Aldermen approved on first reading.”

Hayes said the increase will go toward improving the department’s efficiency. He said that will help employees continue their work and maintain their equipment needs, particularly at the water plant..

Hayes said this will also help with upcoming projects. He said that includes addressing uncertainty at Butler’s Landing.

“We always put about $400,000 in the budget for that in the event that the raw water intake goes down,” Hayes said.

Hayes said the increase will be across the board for all water customers. He said on the positive side, the water leak relief team brought in savings of about $160,000.