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Newman council introduces water‑rate ordinance after public hearing; 105 written protests recorded
Summary
After a public hearing, the Newman City Council introduced and approved first reading of an ordinance to set water rates and charges effective January 2025. Staff counted 105 written protests; council approved the introduction on a 4–0 vote and asked staff to return with low‑income assistance options.
Newman — The Newman City Council on Nov. 12 held a public hearing and approved the first reading and introduction of an ordinance that would set new water rates and service charges effective January 2025.
City staff reported a final tally of 105 written protests submitted during the hearing. Staff told the council that because the written protests did not meet the majority threshold described earlier in the hearing, the ordinance could be introduced and brought back for a second reading.
Why it matters: City staff said water-rate revenue is legally restricted to the water fund and must be used to operate and maintain the water system, including replacing aging pipelines, wells and meters. Councilmembers and residents framed the debate around preserving water-service reliability while limiting the burden on low‑income households.
Residents urged caution and sought relief options. “I did register a protest vote on paper,” said Debbie Allen of 1520 S Street. “I can afford the raise, but we have a lot of people in town who are really needy.” Aaron Salentine, who also filed a written protest, described household financial strain and asked council to look for ways to avoid overburdening families.
City staff described specific cost drivers: rising energy costs, higher insurance premiums and new state water‑quality requirements. Staff estimated a single well rehabilitation could cost on the order of $1,500,000 under forthcoming state requirements. The city also described an ongoing meter‑replacement program; staff said meters typically are replaced about every 10 years and noted meter supply costs have risen (staff cited payments of about $240 per meter in a prior year and about $500 per meter this year).
“Those rates and revenues can only be used to operate and maintain the water system,” said an unidentified city staff member during the hearing. Staff said the city is transitioning to wireless meters, which it expects will reduce labor costs for meter reading and slow staff growth as the city expands.
Council action: An unidentified council member moved to approve the first reading and introduction of the ordinance; the motion was seconded and carried 4–0. The ordinance will return for a second reading and final action at a future council meeting. The mayor asked staff to prepare a low‑income assistance proposal to consider alongside the ordinance at second reading.
What’s next: The council will consider the ordinance’s second reading at a later meeting; if adopted, the rates and fee changes would take effect in January 2025. Staff said they will present an option for low‑income qualification that could rely on existing benefit enrollments rather than tax filings.
