Interlaken Town Council is considering a significant water rate increase that has raised concerns among residents. During the regular meeting on November 6, 2024, community member David expressed his apprehension about a proposed 42% hike in water rates, suggesting that such a steep increase could be burdensome for residents who typically use less water. He proposed a phased approach, recommending a gradual increase of 20% over two years instead of implementing the full amount at once.

The discussion highlighted the town's recent challenges, including a costly $90,000 water line repair that occurred just before scheduled road work, which could have complicated the situation further. David emphasized the need for careful consideration of the water rate increase, especially given that his household's annual water usage is around 23,000 gallons, significantly below the proposed allocation.

The council also reviewed financial reports for the fiscal year, noting that while revenue collection is still early in the year, expenses are tracking closely to budget. The town has budgeted $200,000 in tax revenue but has only collected a small fraction so far, with most funds expected to arrive in January. Additionally, the council discussed the implications of the water system's reliability on property values, with one member, a local realtor, warning that perceptions of a failing water system could deter potential buyers and negatively impact home values.

As the council moves forward with discussions on the budget amendment and water rates, the community is urged to stay engaged, as these decisions will have lasting effects on both residents' finances and the overall health of the town's infrastructure. The council's next steps will involve further deliberation on the proposed rate increase and potential adjustments based on community feedback and financial assessments.