September 19, 2024 |
Photo – Rawlins water bill – Bigfoot99 file photo
In response to a resident’s comments, the Rawlins city council addressed the issue of why recent hikes to the water rate were necessary.
After decades of city officials ignoring the aging water infrastructure in Rawlins, the negligence led to costly and necessary repairs. A recently completed water master plan by the Wyoming Water Development Commission listed four high priority projects that require immediate attention. The state agency estimated that bringing the city’s water system back to optimal condition will cost more than $26 million.
In addition to needing funding from state and federal grants, City Manager Tom Sarvey said the water enterprise account must raise an additional $2.5 million a year to help pay for the repair projects.
In June, the city council voted to increase the water rates. Under the new fee schedule, the price of metered water increased by roughly 80% and water usage by 33% per thousand gallons, bringing the average Rawlins water bill to $76 a month.
The utility rate increase hit city residents hard. The rate hike came just as national costs are rising because of inflation.
On Tuesday, Bigfoot 99 aired an interview with Melissa Baca, a Rawlins resident who organized a petition to “ask the city government and utility companies to reconsider these exorbitantly high-water rates.” Baca said over the past three years, her monthly water bill has increased from $58 a month to $200. As of yesterday afternoon, Baca’s petition has garnered 59 signatures.
On Tuesday evening, during the citizen’s participation portion of the Rawlins city council meeting, Baca explained that she is unhappy with the large water rate increase. Instead of simply complaining about the issue, Baca instead offered to help the city find money to fix its failing water infrastructure.
Baca acknowledged that the city’s water problem existed long before the current administration. However, Baca said the present rates are hurting residents. She asked the governing body to consider reducing the water fees to their previous levels.
Baca said Rawlins Public Information Officer Mira Miller’s explanation about the necessity of the water rate increases convinced her to change her mind. Baca once again offered to help the city find money to pay for the necessary water system repairs.
Also, during Tuesday’s meeting, Councilman Chris Weisenburg said residents in Ward Three are complaining about the water rate increases. Councilman Weisenburg explained that water rates must be high enough to pay for maintenance and repairs on the system. Additionally, Weisenburg said the federal government required the city to set a minimum rate in order to qualify for funding to repair the water transmission lines.
Councilman Weisenburg explained that when money is taken from other departments and added to the water enterprise fund, it is treated like a loan and must be repaid. Weisenburg said the rate hikes were necessary to cover the cost of the loans.
Mayor Terry Weickum said repairing the water system will take tens of millions of dollars. Millions have already been spent to keep the system operational. Mayor Weickum asked residents to be patient while the city raises the necessary money to finish the repairs.
Councilman Weisenburg said the council didn’t want to raise the water rates. However, the increase was required to ensure residents continue to have access to water.
For more information about the water rate, call Rawlins Public Information Officer Mira Miller at 328-4500 extension 1022.
