October 8, 2024
As part of efforts to prepare Starkville’s utility systems for the future, the mayor and board of aldermen recently improved water and sewer rate adjustments that will increase the average Starkville Utilities customer bill by $6.
Adjustments will be reflected in the base rate, or customer charge, for water and sewer services—each to increase by $3—and will go into effect in November.
To support Starkville’s sustained focus on capital improvement investments, the adjustments will generate $580,000 for water system upgrades and $500,000 for sewer system upgrades to replace aging equipment, improve reliability and expand capacity to better serve current needs and future growth.
“Being a responsible steward of our utility systems means making sure they’re prepared for safe, reliable, long-term operation,” said Edward Kemp, Starkville Utilities general manager. “Keeping rates affordable while making sure we fund necessary improvements can be a challenge, and using a data-driven process helps ensure we invest capital dollars wisely.”
Improvement projects were based on comprehensive evaluations of water and wastewater systems commissioned by the city last year. Starkville Utilities also continuously monitors facilities and equipment and trends maintenance work orders to identify top issues needing attention.
Upcoming projects include the installation of new aerators at the Ernest E. Jones Wastewater Treatment Plant, set to begin in early 2025. To prepare for the project, Starkville Utilities will upgrade electrical equipment and facilities, much of which is original to the plant and in poor condition.
Starkville Utilities also plans to build a new production well for the city’s drinking water to meet increasing customer demand, improve overall production capacity and ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
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.