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Nutter Fort reviews proposed water rate increase amid statutory and bond concerns
Summary
At a Nov. 7 workshop, the Town of Nutter Fort reviewed Ordinance 2025-04 proposing higher water rates after a consultant warned the town was not meeting Senate Bill 234 requirements and faced bond-coverage risks; no action was taken at the session.
Mayor Rezin Hudkins IV opened a Nov. 7 workshop of the Town Council of Nutter Fort to further review Ordinance 2025-04, a proposed increase to water rates. The mayor said the session was for discussion only and that no action would be taken.
Zack Dobbins of Bennett & Dobbins presented the FYE2024 cash-flow analysis, explaining that the town currently lacks sufficient funds to meet requirements tied to Senate Bill 234 and that failing to meet those requirements could produce an audit finding forwarded to the Harrison County Prosecutor’s Office. Dobbins also described bond-covenant risks if rates remained unchanged and said a rate increase would make the town’s water rates eligible for grants targeted by median household income (MHI) criteria.
Councilors Charlene Louk, Shawn Spurlock and Rick Lafferty, along with Mayor Hudkins IV, asked follow-up questions about the cash-flow projections, the specifics of SB234 compliance and the mechanics of bond coverage. Dobbins answered the council's questions and clarified the financial rationale for considering a rate adjustment.
The workshop concluded with public comment from Rick Miller, who said the increases are severely affecting people on fixed incomes, and a question from Jennifer Robinson about how Senate Bill 234 applies to the town’s rate-setting obligations. The council took no formal action at the workshop and adjourned at approximately 6:36 p.m.
