Price City plans public hearing, notice to customers ahead of water-rate increase

City staff and council members said Price will hold at least one public hearing and notify utility customers before enacting an upcoming water-rate increase.

Officials said the proposed increase is tied to water-line replacements and high maintenance costs on aging infrastructure. The mayor and staff said the study indicates many lines are at or past their useful life and that replacement work is necessary. “The study said they're at their end their life and beyond and we need to replace them,” a staff member said.

Staff described the outreach mechanics: mailed notices on utility bills, newspaper advertising and two billing cycles’ lead time for customers. Council members discussed holding a formal public hearing where residents can comment before the council takes a final vote at a later meeting. Staff said the timing would likely include notices sent with March bills and hearings in March or April, with any effective date in May.

Why it matters: the increase would directly affect all utility customers, and officials said they prefer a public hearing format to allow comment before a final vote. The mayor and staff noted that utility changes often carry political sensitivity and suggested open houses and informational materials to explain the need for replacement work, including photos and study documentation.

Ending: Staff will schedule the public hearing, prepare customer notices for billing cycles and return with final ordinance language and timelines for council consideration.