Howe utility customers will see a new water and sewer rate schedule starting with the city's first billing cycle in October, under an ordinance the City Council adopted in August.
Ordinance 855, passed Aug. 18 and signed by Mayor Karla McDonald, rewrites the utility rate sections of the city code. In it, the council found that revisions to the water and sewer rate structure were "necessary to maintain the financial integrity of the System," pointing to wholesale service, debt, contract payments, capital projects and regulatory costs.
Residential rates inside the city
For homes on 3/4-inch, 1-inch or 1.5-inch meters, the schedule sets:
- Water: a $34.81 minimum charge covering the first 1,000 gallons, then $9.55 per 1,000 gallons from 1,001 to 4,000 gallons, $10.71 per 1,000 from 4,001 to 20,000, $11.91 per 1,000 from 20,001 to 45,000, and $12.70 per 1,000 above 45,000.
- Sewer: a $41.15 minimum charge for the first 1,000 gallons, then $6.43 per 1,000 gallons. Summer usage is billed at the same rate as winter, with no averaging.
The ordinance also adds a separate monthly variable charge, figured from each customer's share of costs tied to the city's water supply and sewer contract with the Greater Texoma Utility Authority, on top of the rates above.
Larger meters carry higher base charges, starting at $78.17 for water on a 1-inch commercial meter. Apartment complexes and other multi-unit properties pay a base charge for each dwelling unit.
Outside city limits and fees
Customers outside the city limits pay 1.5 times the in-city water rates, beginning with a $52.22 minimum. The schedule lists no sewer service for those customers.
