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Freeman council approves water rate increase effective June 1
Summary
Council members voted to raise city water rates, citing supplier price jumps; the increase sets a new base charge of $22.25, keeps the low-income rate at $10.65, and takes effect June 1.
The Freeman City Council voted at its meeting to raise municipal water rates effective June 1 after members said supplier increases have averaged roughly 10% annually over the last three years. A council member moved to increase the base charge to $22.25 and set per‑unit rates, with the motion seconded and approved by roll-call.
The council member who introduced the motion said the city had already enacted a 4% increase earlier in the year and that the supplier is planning an 11% increase beginning in June. "So I guess we're gonna have to raise rates," the committee member said, arguing the city must keep pace with supplier costs.
Under the approved schedule, the base charge was set to $22.25; the 1,001–500,000 tier was set to $7.00 per gallon; an "over 5" tier was described as $5.40; and bulk water would be $8.90. The council also said the low‑income rate of $10.65 will remain unchanged. The motion maker specified a June 1 effective date and said the council will review rates in April next year to avoid multiple adjustments within a single year.
A roll-call vote was taken after the motion. The clerk called member names and recorded affirmative responses. The council did not reference a statute or ordinance on rates during the discussion; the increase was presented as a municipal fee adjustment tied to operational cost pressures.
The council's action is administrative: it sets new local service charges and schedules a review next spring. Members noted the increase reflects supplier actions rather than a direct policy change to services or coverage.
