Fairhope water rates increase, going into effect April 1 - WKRG News 5

Fairhope water rates increase, going into effect April 1 | WKRG.com

FAIRHOPE, Ala. ( WKRG) — The water base rate will increase to $14 a month for residents inside city limits, plus extra fees after the city council voted unanimously in the Feb. 27 council meeting.

Since 2022, Fairhope water rates stayed at the same base price of $12.03 plus extra fees, but the council voted that it’s time to increase that rate.

City Council President Corey Martin said it’s not increasing by much.

“The percentage that we’ve increased is right at 6%, and that’s across the board,” Martin said.

The new base rate for residents in city limits will be $14.03, plus $2.60 for every 1,000 gallons and $3.60 for usage over 7,000 gallons.

Martin also told News 5 that the decision to increase the prices is to simply keep up with current inflation.

“This is more about the cost of our business doing utilities,” Martin said. “We are fortunate that we hold our own utilities so with that business, we have to keep up with the labor costs and cost adjustments.”

We spoke with some long-time residents who said they aren’t too upset about the price change.

Fairhope resident Anthony Troyke said he thinks as the city grows, the price should go up.

“I think as the cost of everything goes up, we need to continue to build our infrastructure,” Troyke said. “The growth rate is out of hand.”

Fairhope resident Rodger French said he thinks the price change is needed.

“I think it’s probably a necessity,” French said. “Nobody wants to pay more for services, but the City of Fairhope is expanding so fast and growing so fast. The infrastructure has to keep up, so it’s worth paying extra.”

For residents outside city limits, they will now pay $17.50 per month plus $3.80 for every 1,000 gallons and $4.85 for usage of 7,000 gallons.

The new rates will go into effect starting on April 1.