Utah Rural Water presents rate-analysis tool as Trenton considers modest increases to stabilize system

Trenton’s town council heard a detailed water-rate study from Janelle Brathwaite of Utah Rural Water that showed the town is operating close to break-even and recommended modest, staged changes to build capital and depreciation reserves.

Brathwaite said the analysis models the town’s annual operations and bond payments, and demonstrates how small base-rate and tiered adjustments can fund maintenance and savings without imposing large sudden increases on residents. “You can’t just increase water rates $30,” she said, urging phased increases and annual small percentage increases (she recommended about 2–3 percent a year) to maintain system sustainability and qualify for some grant programs.

The consultant noted that eligibility for some state grant programs depends on household income metrics and that federal rural-development loans use median household income; Trenton’s figures make the town a candidate for certain disadvantaged funding programs if it shows responsible rate planning. She also described a tiered rate structure to preserve affordability for customers who use little water while charging higher marginal rates for heavy users.

Council members asked how proposed changes would affect the average monthly bill and whether current revenue covers loan and bond payments. Brathwaite showed the tool’s ability to simulate outcomes, recommended establishing a capital-improvement and depreciation fund, and offered to provide a model ordinance the council could use to adopt any rate changes (state law requires rate changes to be enacted by ordinance, she said).

Mayor and council members thanked Brathwaite, agreed to circulate the spreadsheet and supporting materials, and said staff would examine the scenarios and bring options back to a future public meeting. No formal rate ordinance was introduced or voted on at the meeting.