Your water bill may increase next year, but it won’t be automatic. Thanks to the push of Monroe’s Southside delegation the old practice of automatically increasing water rates without any review has ended. In its place, the council will review increase requests and only allow increases if required to maintain the system.
It’s major step in the right direction.
The council put new procedures in place that now require In a mandatory annual review process that insures that any increases in water rates are absolutely neessary.
Several aspects of this reform are particularly praiseworthy:
–Enhanced Accountability: The new ordinance mandates an annual report from the Mayor to the City Council, detailing the water system’s financial condition and proposed rates. This requirement ensures that our elected officials and citizens alike have access to crucial information about our water infrastructure and pricing.
–Council Oversight: By instituting a 30-day window for the City Council to vote on proposed rates, the ordinance introduces a vital check and balance to the rate-setting process. This measure guarantees that rate changes receive proper scrutiny and debate.
–Improved Lifeline Rate Program: The introduction of clear eligibility criteria, usage limits, and an annual renewal process for the lifeline utility rate demonstrates a commitment to supporting our most vulnerable residents while ensuring the program’s sustainability.
–Balanced Approach: While maintaining a 4% cap on annual rate increases, the ordinance allows for flexibility in exceptional circumstances. This balanced approach ensures stability for residents while allowing the city to respond to unforeseen challenges.
It’s worth noting that this reform represents the fulfillment of campaign promises made not only by the Southside council members but also by Mayor Friday Ellis during his 2020 campaign. While initial resistance to change is often a natural part of the political process, we commend the Mayor for ultimately allowing this important reform to pass without a veto. This decision demonstrates a commendable willingness to prioritize the interests of Monroe’s residents over political considerations.
The unanimous approval of Ordinance #12242 by the City Council is a testament to the merit of these reforms and their potential to benefit all water customers in Monroe.
It serves as a shining example of how local government can work effectively to address the needs and concerns of its constituents and provide transparency, accountability, and good governance in our city.
Well done.
