Nibley hikes city water rates

By Ashley Zarate

February 1, 2008 | NIBLEY -- The base water rate for Nibley city residents will increase from $9.50 to $10.50 this month.

This is the last stage of the multi-year plan for Nibley that started in 2005. The City Council approved the increase to help financing of the water utilities. The $10.50 per month is only the base rate; there is also a usage fee of 95 cents per 1,000 gallons of water used per month per household.

Justin Pope, the city's public works assistant, said that even with the jump in price it is a bargain to live in Nibley.

"I live in the city and I still think it's a bargain compared to the cities around us, and it sure beats using the sewers," he said.

Pope said the price of petroleum is the main cause of the water prices soaring. He said they have to stay aware of their costs because they are still a business.

Pope said he still feels good about the price, even with the increase.

"This is an advantage for lower income families, widows, and retirees because it benefits households that use less water opposed to penalizing them," he said.

Nibley city has a set plan to continue to increase the water supply for the growing city. According to the February city newsletter, Nibley has plenty of water for both current and future use. The city plans to build a new water distribution line from its reservoirs, construct a new 1.8 million gallon reservoir, and an additional well in the next three to four years. The newsletter also states the cost of the new facilities to house the water for Nibley's growth will be paid by impact fees that new homes and businesses are required to pay.

As always, water usage during winter months will be an estimated average since the meters aren't read during winter months.

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