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Madison County approves water rate increases, adopts policy for purchased finished water
Summary
The board approved a staff-recommended tiered water-rate structure, raised certain tap and startup fees and adopted a new policy governing purchase or acceptance of finished water from external sources.
The Madison County Board of Commissioners voted March 31 to raise water rates, increase certain tap/start-up fees and adopt a county policy that outlines steps for purchasing or accepting finished drinking water from outside sources.
County staff presented two rate options; the board selected a tiered option intended to encourage conservation. Under the plan described at the meeting, the per‑1,000‑gallons charge would rise for higher tiers (staff noted the unit charge would move from $6.50 to $7.50 per 1,000 gallons for a specified tier), the residential base rate would increase from $25 to $28, and the start-up account fee would rise from $50 to $75. Staff also described a conservation tier that would charge higher volume rates (staff cited an example of $13.50 per 1,000 gallons after 6,000 gallons) to discourage nonessential consumption during shortages.
Officials said the changes will be effective July 1 to allow billing notices and customer outreach. County staff also recommended rolling the electronic payment processing fee into the charge to encourage autopay and reduce in-office processing. The board recorded a motion to adopt staff’s recommendation for the tiered structure and an effective date; the transcript records the motion, a second and the board’s approval.
Separately, the board adopted a new Madison County Water Department policy that defines procedures for testing, certifying and, when necessary, purchasing water (finished or raw) from private or municipal sources. The policy clarifies sampling responsibilities, reporting requirements to EPD and the well or water-source owner, and steps the county will take when negotiating purchase agreements. Commissioners discussed liability protections and the role of licensed water operators; the policy was amended in the meeting to clarify EPD reporting and owner notification steps and to prohibit owners from self-certifying testing in some circumstances unless a licensed operator is used.
The board and staff also noted that the county is pursuing grants and technical assistance for asset management and water planning; commissioners said any future bulk-water purchase or reservoir project would require additional contracts and budget approvals.
Ending: The rate changes were set to take effect July 1; staff will mail notices to customers and continue work on related contracts for bulk or finished‑water procurement and infrastructure planning.
