Athens Takes First Step Toward Raising Water Rates

By Michael V. Hannigan

The Athens City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance setting new water rates Monday night. If approved on the second reading, scheduled for April 27, the rates would take effect on Sept. 1.

The new rates will increase the average customer’s bill by about $20 per month.

With that money, the city can:

• Immediately align rates with the cost of service
• Start addressing capital needs
• Start replacing outdated lines and meters
• Build a contingency reserve
• Build the operating reserve up to the suggested level (about $1.5 million for Athens)

Monday’s action was unanimous, however, before the vote Councilman Joe Whately said, “I thought (the increase) could be stepped in over two years, but I am only one vote.”

I wrote about the proposed rates and the reasons for the increase in March. Click here for more information.