Residents of Lake City can potentially see an increase to their water bills effective in 2024. City Administrator Jacob Matthews says that the city’s water rates have not been updated since 2015
The second challenge that Lake City is facing is the conditions of the current wells in place. The two wells generate 3.2 million gallons of water for the residents and businesses of the community each month. Matthews says that constructing two new wells would ensure a sufficient water supply, and raising the price of water rates would help support the project.
Lake City’s financial reserve for the water account is $31,112. Matthews says that by increasing the water rates, the reserve can be built up for better preparation for future needs.
Matthews explained what he meant by “potential DNR regulations” with the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or commonly referred to as forever chemicals. Matthews says that while Lake City’s aquifers do not contain these forever chemicals, they cannot just sit around, waiting for it to happen. Matthews says that effective planning should encompass both foreseeable and unforeseen challenges.
The current rates are priced at $10.93 for the first 1,000 gallons and $5.40 for each additional 1,000 gallons used after that. The proposed ordinance would increase those rates to $15 for the first 1000 gallons and $6.75 for each additional 1000 gallons used. If approved, the new rates would go into effect in July 2024.
