Baxter To Increase Water And Sewer Rates

Baxter may soon see a water and sewer rate hike.

Thursday night, the Baxter City Council approved an ordinance amending title 18 in the water and sewer service. Baxter mayor John Martin said the rate increase will be percentage based.

“There will be a different percentage for your minimum bills and your higher usage,” said Martin.

Martin said the city council is working on specifics and are planning a work session to finalize the details and actual rates.

“It is going to be an increase but, it is not going to be an extravagant increase that people can not afford,” said Martin.

The monies will go to sewer and water operating fees, according to Martin.

“The thing about the state of Tennessee is that so many municipalities are decreasing their revenues,” said Martin. “You cannot go two years and you are decreasing your revenue on it. The state comes in and sends you letters that say you are not going to take care of the situation.”

The city of Baxter doesn’t want to hear from the state.

“We are trying to be sure that we do not do anything that is going to bring the water board in on the city of Baxter,” said Martin.

Martin said improvements in the water and sewer department are much needed and have been for many years.

“It’s been put off but, the thing about it that people have to understand is that you have to have the money to do this,” said Martin. “We are going to have to borrow a considerable amount of money to do this but, we are hoping to get a good grant. You can only go so long until the water board comes in on you. We do not want that to happen.”

The ordinance now goes to a second reading and a finalization of rates.