July 31, 2025
To accommodate Starkville’s steady growth and prepare for the future, city leaders have approved a $5 increase to monthly sewer rates. The additional revenue will fund critical capital upgrades at the Ernest E. Jones Wastewater Treatment Plant—an essential step in supporting the city’s expanding infrastructure needs.
Since the plant began operations in 1979, Starkville’s population has grown 60%, and some of the original components have reached their useful life. With ongoing residential, commercial, and university-related development, increasing the plant’s capacity is vital to maintaining Starkville’s quality of life and meeting regulatory requirements.
“The rate decision is part of a bigger picture of making Starkville a place where people want to be,” said Edward Kemp, Starkville Utilities general manager. “Our community has experienced considerable growth, and we don’t want our utility systems to be a limiting factor for the future. We want them to enable opportunity, drive progress, and enhance the lives of our residents.”
The rate adjustment includes a $2 increase to the monthly base rate (from $9 to $11) and a $3 increase to the variable rate for usage above 1,000 gallons (from $4.50 to $7.50). The new rates will take effect Oct. 1.
The $5 adjustment is projected to generate $2.3 million annually and builds on funds generated by a 2024 rate adjustment to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant. Adjustments have positioned the city to accelerate much-needed capital improvements and ensure continued compliance with environmental regulations.
Work is already underway to replace the plant’s aging aeration system, with completion expected by mid-2026. The next major upgrade—replacing the headworks facility and rehabbing the clarifiers—will significantly increase the plant’s processing capacity. Phase 2 construction is scheduled for completion in 2027.
To support the improvements, Starkville Utilities also has upgraded electrical infrastructure at the plant to improve operator safety and ensure backup power is available for essential processes.
The $22 million plant upgrade is part of a long-term plan based on in-depth evaluations of Starkville’s water and wastewater systems. Over the next 20 years, approximately $92 million in strategic investments will be needed to enhance performance, expand capacity, and extend service life.
In addition to the rate change, the city is actively pursuing external funding sources, including state and federal grants, to reduce the financial burden on ratepayers and accelerate infrastructure improvements.
The city remains in active litigation related to the failed aeration equipment installed in 2020. Despite the setback, city officials moved quickly to engage a new design team and contractor to replace failed equipment and maintain permit compliance.
“Providing the best utility system possible is our core mission,” Kemp said. “These upgrades will support the future of Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and Mississippi State University. It’s a forward-looking investment in our community’s continued growth and resilience.”
Starkville Utilities is a public utility serving 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville, Mississippi as well as Mississippi State University. Its mission is to supply safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric and water service of superior quality and value that improves the lives of its customers.