Residents tell Madison County supervisors 90% West Madison utility hike will hurt low-income households; board says it has limited authority

Residents from Kearny Park and other West Madison neighborhoods urged the Madison County Board of Supervisors on May 19 to intervene after the West Madison Utility District approved a rate increase that residents described as a roughly 90% jump in monthly bills.

The appeals came during the public-comment portion of the supervisors’ meeting. “We are in a situation where we are getting an increase of 90% on our water utility bill,” said Michael Spires, who identified himself as working with the CCP community group. Spires said the monthly basic water charge was about $45 and would go to about $85 under the district’s new rates.

Why it matters: The increase, residents said, hits predominantly fixed- and lower-income households in neighborhoods such as Kearny Park and Churchill Park. Several speakers said the new bills could force families to choose between paying for utilities and food. The board discussed what, if anything, it can lawfully do to assist residents and asked county staff to explore relief and coordination options.

Residents’ account and board response

Robert White, a speaker who said he represents community members in the area, raised conflict-of-interest concerns about the utility board’s members and said several board members left a community meeting…