Bossier City Water Rates Set for an Increase
Hey there, Bossier City! It looks like we might need to brace ourselves for a little change coming down the pipeline—literally! City officials are discussing a recommended increase in water rates that could kick in as soon as February 1 of next year. So, let’s dive into the details and see what this all means for you and your water bills.
What’s the Scoop?
According to a recent study from the state health department, there’s a clear indication that Bossier City’s water rates will need to go up to ensure our water system remains both effective and financially sustainable. During a meeting set for December 31, the City Council will gather to make a decision on whether to approve these recommendations. That’s right, they’ll be getting together just before the New Year to finalize how this could affect your wallet!
Why the Rate Increase?
So, you might be asking yourself, “Why do we need to increase our water rates?” Well, the short answer is that if the city does not raise those rates, we could risk losing out on essential state funding through the Louisiana Department of Health. This funding is super important, especially considering it supports various projects within our city, including the hefty $5 million grant funding for that big Barksdale Boulevard water main project.
Bossier City’s Chief Administrative Officer, Amanda Nottingham, reassured everyone that this isn’t a sign of financial instability. Instead, it’s about keeping things on track for the future, especially as the report indicates the need for additional rate hikes in fiscal years 2025 and 2026. That’s what we call planning ahead!
How Much Will It Cost?
If you’re a resident living within the city limits, the current flat rate you pay is $10.16. Under the new proposed rates, you’d see that increase by $1.62, and your consumption fee (currently at $3.61 per 1,000 gallons) will go up by 58 cents. So, while you’re treating yourself to that nice long shower or watering the garden, you’ll be looking at a few extra bucks for the pleasure.
Residents living outside the city limits who are using city-supplied water will face a steeper increase. Their flat rate is projected to rise by a full $3, and the consumption fee would jump by 86 cents. It’s pretty important to note, though, that while water rates are one and a half times higher for those outside the city, they don’t incur the sanitation rate, ambulance fee, or beautification fee—every little bit helps, right?
What’s Next?
If our City Council gives the thumbs up, residents can expect these changes to roll out pretty quickly. However, if they choose not to raise rates, that could put Bossier City in a bit of a pickle, as we could lose out on those crucial state grants. This is definitely a big decision looming ahead!
Additionally, the study does recommend an annual rate increase starting in 2026. Although the exact percentage hasn’t been set, city leaders are suggesting a modest 2% increase. The hope is that these adjustments will help establish a 15% reserve in water revenue to cover ongoing operating costs. It’s all about keeping Bossier City’s water flowing smoothly for years to come!
Stay Informed!
As things progress, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for updates from the City Council. Water isn’t just a resource; it’s a lifeline for the community, and making sure we stay financially sustainable is crucial to our health and happiness here in Bossier City.
So, there you have it, folks! Stay tuned and make sure those faucets are ready because changes are on the way!
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
