Marlin city councilors consider a 25% water rate increase

MARLIN, Texas (KXXV) – “It’s ridiculous, we’re just throwing money away for the city,” said Marlin resident Dustin Ulmer.

During Tuesday’s city council meeting, council members discussed whether or not water rates should be increased by 25%.

“This is part of getting our sales on track,” said Elza Daviss, manager of Marlin City.

Daviss explained how lowering the minimum usage from 0-4,000 gallons to 0-2,000 gallons would put the city in better financial shape, noting that this is the average rate for other local cities.

“We are still outside the norm at 4,000 liters compared to other cities,” Daviss explains.

But some neighbors disagree.

“A 25% increase is a lot of money, not everyone can afford that,” said Ulmer.

25 News spoke to a resident who said raising rates shouldn’t be an option due to the constant water issues throughout the city.

“I still buy a lot of water and I want to buy a house in Falls County, I told a lot of people that. I love Marlin, I love Falls County, but right now I feel like there is no hope because 25% is a huge amount, our water rates are already high,” said Ulmer.

Some council members are also against the rate change.

“I understand that, but I think about these poor people here in Marlin, Texas. They struggle every day to afford what you have now. Is there another way we can do this?” asked Council Member Scottie Henderson.

After more than 15 minutes of deliberation, the City Council has decided that they will soon conduct a rate survey for the city, which will help them decipher the correct water rates for our neighbors.

“The city has bills to pay, and I’m trying to make sure we can pay our bills,” Daviss said.

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