Silver Springs discusses water billing cost hike and reevaluates service providers

The Lyon County Board of Commissioners convened on April 2, 2025, to discuss several key issues, primarily focusing on budgetary matters related to the Silver Springs Natural Water Company and the Silver Springs Mutual Water Company.

The meeting began with a transition of responsibilities as Commissioner Henry Lewis took over discussions regarding the budget for the Silver Springs Natural Water Company. Lyon County Comptroller Josh provided an overview of the upcoming capital projects, which include a significant expenditure of over $1.4 million for the rehabilitation of the disinfection and filter system at the plant, alongside a similar amount for sludge removal, both of which are expected to be one-time costs.

A major point of contention arose concerning the billing and collection services provided by the Silver Springs Mutual Water Company. The company has requested an increase in their monthly fee from $3,000 to $6,000, citing a 51% increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) since the last contract was negotiated 18 years ago. In response, the county proposed a counteroffer of $4,500 per month, which was met with a counterproposal of $5,000 for the first year, escalating to $6,000 and then $7,000 in subsequent years.

The commissioners expressed concerns about the potential financial impact on ratepayers, emphasizing the need for a thorough analysis of the costs associated with the services provided. Commissioner Jacobson highlighted the importance of understanding the motivations behind the proposed fee increases and suggested that the county explore alternative options, including the possibility of having Dayton Utilities take over billing services to potentially reduce costs.

The board agreed to adopt the budget as it stands, allowing for further evaluation of the situation before finalizing any decisions. The discussion underscored the necessity of balancing service quality with fiscal responsibility, as the commissioners aim to ensure that any increases in costs do not unduly burden the community.

The meeting concluded without public comments on the discussed items, and the board plans to revisit the matter in future sessions as they continue to assess the best path forward for the county's water service agreements.