TAYLOR–The Town of Taylor is facing an increase in utility rates as the result of the unanimous approval of the council for a notice of intent to increase utility rates proposed by Town Manager Gus Lundberg at the meeting on Aug. 2. All council members were in attendance with the exception of Councilman Lynn Dewitt.
In his brief overview Lundberg shared, “We have had many discussions as far as our need to increase rates. The last rate increase was in 2012.” Currently, Taylor residents pay a base water rate of $15, which includes 4,000 gallons of water. Every thousand gallons consumed after that is charged $1.
Lundberg noted that while the rates were low, expenses continue to increase. “It costs more every year to operate the water system. Materials cost more; payroll costs more. Another major part of the increase is the Little Colorado Water Adjudication. Last year, that cost was over $65,000 and we are anticipating this next year will be closer to $80,000.”
The notice of intent has to be displayed on the town website for 60 days, after which the council will hold a public hearing. After passing the notice of intent, the council set the public hearing date for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4 at the regularly scheduled council meeting.
Lundberg also requested that the council have work sessions to begin the process of establishing new rates. “We need to get specific as to how we do these rates,” Lundberg said. “We all know it is justified.”
Councilman Jason Brubaker commented, “We have to run it like a business. We are providing a good service and in order to continue that quality, we will have to increase the rates or the service will decline in the future.”
