St. Tammany residents frustrated over water rate increase

St. Tammany Parish residents are facing higher water and sewer bills after the council passed an ordinance increasing utility rates. “Oh, I think it’s ridiculous, but I don’t have anybody to cry to,” said Lynn Kagler, a community member. “All I know to do is just pay.”The parish received more than $80 million in grants to get new water towers and other infrastructure upgrades to improve water quality, because of that they are now required to have everyone using Tammany Utilities to be charged at a uniform rate.”This is what you need to maintain your system going forward.” Councilman Jeff Corbin said.The uniform rates are expected to have a different impact on different neighborhoods.For example, if you live in Cross Gates, depending on your usage, your new water bill could increase by as little as $32 and as high as $126.Kagler, who lives right across from Cross Gates, tells WDSU that any increase in the bill can cause a real strain.”It’s a big burden because my pension hasn’t went up that much, so I sacrifice other things to make that work,” Kagler said.Councilman David Cougle voted against this bill; his primary concern is not seeing much improvement in their water.”People are still having the same issues in terms of water quality,” Cougle said. “They are worried about their health, they still have to spend money on bottled water. Now, with the new rate increase, they are also going to have to spend money on the new rates.”We fully expect to have much better water in the area,” Corbin said. “Is it there today? No, not everything is turned on, but it takes time to gradually bring it online.”Water rates are expected to increase on Oct. 1.For more information on the Utility Rate Adjustment, click here.