What is happening with my water bill?

Answer: January 1st will marked the second rate increase of $15/month for water base rate, bringing the base rate to $63/per month. This is necessary to allow the City to secure grant and loan funding for the upcoming water improvement process.

Why are improvements necessary?

Answer: Since 2005 the City has been deemed deficient by Idaho DEQ in regards to fire suppression and DEQ would not be put off any longer without substantial fines. The project has to be done and the Mayor and Council have worked to obtain grant funding for nearly two-thirds project. This means water rates will only need to eventually rise $30/month instead of the of the projected $118/month originally.

When was this decided?

Answer: The water project has been in process for approx. 24 months where increases have been discussed. The Council has discussed in open meeting the increases and a public hearing, which was advertised online, posted around town and printed in Times News’ legal section, was held to accept public concerns and feedback.