Water and sewer rates are going up in Dayton at the next billing cycle beginning on April 26.
Dayton City Council on Monday agreed to raise the combined residential service rates for water and sewer from $38.68 per month to $70 per month, an increase of roughly 83 percent. The rates (currently $19.34 each) are based on the first 2,000 gallons used by residential customers. Thereafter, the rates will be increased by $4.75 for every extra 1,000 gallons of use.
For commercial customers, the new rates will make the cost of water $42.50 for the first 2,000 gallons and $42.50 for the first 2,000 gallons of sewer service for a combined $85 per month. The increase thereafter is $5.25 per 1,000 gallons per service.
For institutions, such as the prisons, the rates are $325 for each service based on the first 2,000 gallons and another $5.75 per 1,000 gallons thereafter. For bulk water customers, the rate is $250 for each service based on the first 2,000 gallons and another $5.75 per 1,000 additional gallons per service.
“Obviously rate increases aren’t popular decisions. However, we are way behind on our rates versus the cost of providing water and sewer services,” City Manager Steve Floyd told the Council.
While the rate increases are a huge leap, Floyd said the rates are still below the state average of $71.09 for combined water and sewer services.
“It’s far below those of our neighbors in Harris County. This rate increase is part of a plan to get the City of Dayton back to a financially stable position,” Floyd said. “Staff recommends Council to approve the rate increase as well as the built-in rate increase of 8 percent per year, starting on Oct. 1, for the next eight years.”
The vote to raise the rates was unanimous with the exception of Councilman John Headrick who abstained.
City Manager Steve Floyd asked Headrick if he could explain his abstention.
“We looked at every possible option and reached out to you as council. If we are missing something, I wish you would let us know,” Floyd said.
Headrick responded by saying he believes the rates are too much of a hike at once.
“I wish I could have an answer to it. I just don’t know what to say. I think it’s quick and maybe worth more discussion in a workshop,” Headrick said.
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Who gets an 83% pay increase? It sure isn’t the person you are expecting to pay for that increase!
So once again the paying citizens have to pay for poor financial management by the government. Go figure.
Just a few days ago Dayton was in a financial crisis—- looks like they solved it!!!!!
Funny we get new management and there is a financial crisis now there is no way to compare a harris county to dayton thats like a ford 750 super duty to a toyota Prius
Sounds like John is the only one with any sense. The citizens on Dayton have to pay 83% sevice hike, during a nationwide inflation hike because of the city’s incompetence!?! Not only will folks find other residences outside of the the city but they’ve just ran businesses out of town as well!
Nice Job!
So y’all lose 5 million dollars and your answer is to hike the rates of our needed utilities 83%. If your ideal comparison is to model after Harris county than you are missing the point of living in the “country” in the first place. This is typical government, let’s tax the citizens harder for our mistakes. Side note 8% annual increase for 8 year is ridiculous. Are the city workers seeing any of this money via raises or bonuses?
I think Councilman Headrick is the the only one who has sense also. How in the heck did we get in a 5 million dollar debt? We had wonder boy as city manager for years and all we ever heard as how good things were. I think when election time comes people should keep in mind of how good our council members are watching over the money.
so glad i live in the country outside the city limits
Before long ALL country areas will be cut down and cemented, just one big expanding city. No where will be safe and no place to hide from big brother and government control.
I don’t want to be controversial with City of Dayton Management, but as Director of the Dayton HA, I am very concerned about the increase in the water/sewer rates for our properties. I have to be concerned with my budget and how this affects me. My budget is in place already and now, it will reflect big overspending in water/sewer. They have us classified as a commercial customer, so our minimun per HH will be $85.00 and $5.25 per thousand gallons thereafter. In the letter explaining the rate increase, which begins with billing on April 26, 2022 and another 8% starting October 1, 2022, Mr. Floyd states that we are far below those of our neighbors in Harris County. Why are we compared to Harris County? In my opinion, there is no comparison. He also states that part of the plan is to get the City of Dayton back to a financially stable position.
So, as citizens of Dayton, we are paying for the financial instability of the city, not caused by the Citizens.
I have been told there will be a Council meeting on May 16, 2022 at the Community Center at 6:00 pm that I can attend. I don’t know if you can speak or have to be on the agenda, but every citizen in Dayton should be at this meeting.
Vote these clowns out. You voted them in. They are irresponsible. This debt thing did not happen overnight. They didn’t see it? The mayor and council see financial statements at every meeting.
83 percent and additional 8percent for the next 8 years….. Sounds like there is an agenda that is hidden…. What is next the property taxes going up to match Harris county…. Unfortunately it’s not going to stop cause no one as a group has time to miss work to fight over this cause we the people are struggling as it is now. To take advantage of people struggling do to many reasons starting with this so called fedral government and drips down all the way to our small town government. Unbelievable! Congratulations on having your tax payer pay for your mistakes. Wish we all could get away with that
How many Dayton families are going to struggle with this rate of increase? This hike is way too much all at once during these uncertain times we are already trying to adjust to. It’s shamefully unjust for the folks of Dayton, Tx. What in Gods name were they thinking??
I do not think we should pick up the Citys financial problems that was created by someone not doing their job How did this happen and I agree with the person who said why are we compared to Harris County. Some one is responsible for this and should be held accountable its not the citizens who live here