Water rates increase around Othello

District users see 5 percent increase

OTHELLO — Othello City Council approved a resolution increasing water rates by 5 percent for Adams County Water District No. 1 residents Monday night.

Council discussed water rates during their Feb. 12 meeting where they approved the rate increase for city limit residents. The increase for district residents was proposed and the district was to vote on whether or not to accept the increase before Monday's meeting.

If the district did not accept the increase they would enter mitigation with the city, Finance Director Mike Bailey said at the previous meeting.

In a letter from the district to the city it stated, "Adams County Water District Board of Commissioners listened to (the) city's reports outlining the purpose of the rate increases and although not agreeing to the percentage levied as a surcharge, district commissioners reluctantly agree to comply with the requested adjustment, provided the rates are within the perimeters as presented during the Feb. 12 meeting."

It went on the say, "Commissioners will continue to petition the city council to reconsider the 50 percent surcharge, adjusting it to one that will meet city revenue needs as well as providing more affordable service to those living outside city limits."

The letter is signed by commissioners Dora Beraza, Daniel Mendez and Lucy Rodelo.

Several years ago the district requested to use city water, Bailey said. A contract was signed between the district and the city stating the district agreed to pay 50 percent more than citizens within city limits to use city water.

The funds raised go into a reserve account to fund projects benefiting water customers, he said. Among the to-do list is a reservoir reconditioning and a well drill totaling about $1.3 million.

Effective March 16, citizens within the district will see an increase from .59 cents per unit to .61 cents per unit for the first 266 units. For up to 666 units, rates increase from .68 cents per unit to .72 cents per unit. For additional units, it increases from .78 cents per unit to .82 cents per unit.

One unit is 100 cubic feet of water.

The meter charge for citizens within the district increases from $1,078.99 to $1132.95 per month. The $53.96 increase would be divided among the residents within the district.