TOOL–West Cedar Creek Municipal Utility District board of directors met March 24. Board President Mac McKinsey said, “(Chief Executive Officer) Kenneth Malin, has noted that East Cedar Creek Municipal Utility District has raised their rates, and we need to do it too. Everything has increased in pricing as you know with metal and steel tariffs.”
Malin said, “Just from 2020 to present our raw water cost has increased by $102,000. Our total treatment chemical costs has gone up by $120,000 in those five years. This is just the operational increase, for only the water treatment, with the new increase of the electrical coming this year it is going to be about a half million dollars a year. We have never raised rates to take up for any of that stuff, we have done a little nickel and dime here and there through the years, but nothing to keep us running.” McKinsey said, “So we are really absorbing the hit without passing it on to the consumer.” Malin commented, “That is just in the water treatment.”
Malin  continued, “I think some more future rates will have to go up. Instead of waiting every few years and making a big jump, start looking at small percentages every year to help keep it or if things come down then go down.” Malin explained the increase, “The average water bill, let’s say is about 5,000 gallons, usage will go up $15 to $20, that is water and sewer. That should bring in about an extra million dollars a year, of course that depends on usage.” The board agreed to implement the rate increase beginning July 1.
Along with a rate increase the board discussed and approved a senior citizen discount. Vice President David Lewis said, “I think this is a super idea. It is hard enough for senior citizens, fixed income and social security people to make ends meet. It is a good gesture on our part.” Malin addressed the rate increase and the discount, “With the twenty percent discount, if they were using zero to five thousand gallons, which is about average, they would still be getting a little of a discount off the current rate. If they want an immaculate yard or new sod they will probably still be paying a bit more than they do now. This will allow people to dictate their own water usage.” According to the board the discount will not go into effect until the rate increase July 1. To qualify for the discount the applicant must be 65 or over. They must apply for the program in person and their account must be current. They must reside in the residence where the discount is being requested. The customer’s utility account must be in the applicant’s name, and they must provide proof of age with driver’s license or birth certificate.
In other business, the board:
• Approved new board member James Prevost.