Spencer Aldermen To Vote On Water Rate Increases Thursday

Mayor Alisa Farmer said the city has reached the point where low water rates can no longer be ignored.

If approved Thursday, a water rate increase of $3.75 would go into effect in February. Both city and county customers would be impacted by the increase.

Farmer said after that, the city would increase water rates three more times in six-month increments. The rate increases would continue until the city is no longer experiencing financial stress. Farmer said she believed the city’s financial situation would be improved within two years.

A 2020 rate study called for rate increases, but city leaders failed to take action.

The public hearing begins Thursday at 5:30 p.m. during the monthly Board of Aldermen meeting. Farmer said all residents who want to speak on the issue will be granted time.

Farmer said in a social media post the end goal is raising city rates to $24 and county rates to $28.