Monterey Reviewing Water And Sewer Rates Through Firm

The Monterey Board of Aldermen approved an outside firm to conduct a water and sewer rate study Monday night.

Mayor Nathan Walker said the company will evaluate customer rates, usage and future projections.

“So we can make sure that we’re getting the most value for our tax payer dollars really,” Walker said. “So, they’re going to go through everything and make sure we’re where we need to be feasibility wise going in long-term as we get a new wastewater treatment plant online.”

Walker said the contract with Jackson Thorton cost about $26,000. Walker said he believes the contract for work will be ready this week to begin the study.

“It is a very complicated process,” Walker said. “They go in and evaluate in-city rates, out of customer rates, whole sale rates, the amount of usage, projection of usage of coming years and take everything into account that most of us are not able to do as they have a full accounting team.”

Last month, Water Plant Supervisor Duane Jarrett said a water rate increase was needed due to rising chemical costs. Engineer Nathaniel Green said the last rate increase was in 2020 by three percent.