Council approves 10 percent revenue decrease

After the acceptance of the 2020-2021 proposed budget for the City of Marlin on Aug. 25, council members discussed lowering the water rates within the city.

Effective Oct. 1, officials approved lowering the water rate, taking a 10 percent decrease to the gross water revenue. The monthly availability charge has been decreased, as well as consumption brackets and subsequent charges have been altered. 

Consumption rate changes take the minimum charge to $6.20, for up to 5,000 gallons of water. They go up to $7.83 for usage of 20,000 gallons or more, increasing costs at increments of 3,000 gallons.

Monthly availability charge varies by type of building and location. Residential locations within city limits may see a charge as low as $52.93. Commercial locations start at $78.99.

Outside of city limits, residential charges start at $69.55, while commercial availability charges begin at $90.90.

This charge depends on pipe size, meaning that if pipes are one-inch or more in diameter, additional charges will apply. Churches and schools are both charged as residential addresses, but city limit clauses still apply. 

This change was made entirely for the citizens of Marlin, as multiple officials voiced during the meeting. The city found it to be beneficial, despite the revenue decrease, for that reason.

The council also discussed the proposed tax rate change by Falls County Tax Assessor-Collector Kayci Nehring but the item was tabled and will be discussed during the next city council meeting, currently scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8.

The council will discuss a new tax rate and will have to have a public hearing on the subject. 

The current tax rate within the City of Marlin is 0.9632.

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