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Pulaski Board approves utility rate increases; gas and sanitation rates rise, water and sewer advance on first reading
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Summary
The Pulaski Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved increases to natural gas and sanitation rates and advanced proposed water and sewer changes on first reading; City Administrator Ricky Keith said the moves are intended to keep the city from operating at a loss and to improve long-term rate stability.
The Pulaski Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted last Tuesday to raise several utility rates, approving an increase in the natural gas charge from $0.95 to $1.15 per CCF and a sanitation curbside pickup increase from $14.95 to $17.95, with a planned $1 annual increase for each of the next three years. Water and sewer changes advanced on first reading as part of a five-year plan; the transcript did not specify the dollar amounts for the water and sewer adjustments.
City Administrator Ricky Keith, as reported in the program, said the increases "were not meant to generate profit, but to ensure the city does not operate at a loss," and noted the city is considering moving to a variable gas rate structure in the future to avoid sudden spikes and better track monthly costs. Keith pointed to rising transportation costs, tariffs and broader market pressures as reasons for the adjustments.
The board's action on natural gas and sanitation fees was presented as final in the report; water and sewer changes were described as advancing on first reading, meaning they will return to the board for later consideration and any required further votes. The broadcast did not provide vote tallies, the names of movers or seconders, or meeting minutes; the Pulaski Citizen report referenced in the program is the source for these summaries.
Why it matters: utility-rate changes affect household budgets and municipal revenue stability. Officials framed the moves as fiscal maintenance intended to prevent operating losses; residents and ratepayers will see higher monthly bills if the increases are implemented as described.
Next steps: water and sewer adjustments require subsequent readings before becoming final. The program did not specify a schedule for further readings or provide the precise ordinance text for each change.
