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Council OKs 10% water surcharge for homes in Tri County Rural Water area
Summary
The council approved Ordinance 1311 to add a 10% surcharge to the water portion of bills for properties in the Tri County Rural Water District area annexed into Seminole; staff said the surcharge will be remitted to Tri County and is expected to keep customers' bills lower than Tri County's standalone rates.
The Seminole City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1311 to amend water rates for customers located within the Tri County Rural Water District area now served by the city.
Staff explained the change applies only to the water portion of a customer’s bill — not sewer or trash — and said the 10% surcharge will be remitted to Tri County for allowing the city to serve inside its territory. Staff said the city supplies the water and that the surcharge, when added to the city’s base charge, should remain below Tri County’s typical rates for customers in that area.
Council members asked for clarity about where the water comes from and whether any additional fees will be imposed for the new meters. Staff responded that the water is supplied by the city, the city will pay Tri County for the right to sell water in the area, and that meter purchases and installation are part of the financed project — not a separate charge to customers. Staff added that home builders in future developments would pay for their own meters as standard practice.
The ordinance passed on a roll-call vote. Council members said the arrangement provides service where Tri County was unable to extend lines and that customers in the affected addition will avoid Tri County’s monthly member fee.
What happens next: the city will implement the new water-billing structure and remit the surcharge to Tri County as the agreement is executed; staff said they will return with contract details if needed.
