Rosebud water, sewer rates to increase in October

The City of Rosebud has announced there will be an increase in water and sewer rates beginning Oct. 1.

City Administrator Kenny Ray Murray said there will be an increase in the base rate for water and the base rate for sewer effective Oct. 1, 2023.   

“The leadership team has been working hard to keep our prices low, but due to meeting state compliance issues with the sewer plant and negotiating a new contract with our water supplier, Central Texas Water Supply (CTWS), we were left with only one choice, raise the base rates,” Murray said in a statement to customers. “You cannot underestimate the significance of a dependable viable water source and an adequate fully functioning plant that cleans waste water any more than a city can continue running a vital department in a deficit.”

He said the taxes paid by citizens of Rosebud are not used on the water public utility systems.  Just as the water/sewer costs paid by the citizens are not used for things other than the maintance and operations (M&O) of the system, which include personnel, operations, compliance with state guidelines, continuious repairs to an aging water line system, etc.

“The City of Rosebud pays aproximately $3.70 per one thousand gallons for water,” he said. “Ninety percent of the citizens in Rosebud pay between $2 to $2.50 per one thousand gallons.  You can immediately see why a deficit has occurred.”

He said that in order for the City of Rosebud to continue to provide the very basic services and sustain the rising costs of maintenance and operation future increases are a necessity.  

If you have any concerns about the price increase or anything else you can contact Murray.

He said your input is valued, and your presence at the regular schedule City Council Meeting held on the third Monday of each month is welcomed.  You can see your leadership team working for you.