HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – On Monday, the Havre City Council voted unanimously to approve an increase to water usage and sewer rates.
Prior to the official meeting the City Council held a public comment period to address community concerns. One member of the gallery, Julie Anderson, described the increase as a tax. Mayor Doug Kaercher said it was not a tax and was needed to maintain the 125% of revenue as required by the covenant for the city’s bond.
Kaercher went on to state that due to the increase in the cost for chemicals needed to treat the water system was one of the reasons for the rate change.
The expected new base charge for water in the city of Havre is expected to increase to $36 with the water rate will increase $0.50 per 1,000 gallons, making an average bill range between 43.30 per month to 47.40 within city limits. Sewage rates are projected projected to rise to $46.50 per connection.
Outside the city, the proposed monthly service charge would increase to $38.10 and water usage would increase to $0.50 per 1,000 gallons and users would see an average increase to $49.70 per month..
The new rates are expected to take place in June 2022. The last increase to rates occurred in in 2018.
For more information, contact Douglas A. Kaercher, Mayor/Finance Director at City Hall or 406-265-6719.
