Video: Water, Sewer Rates Going Up in Winona

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WINONA, Miss. (WCBI) — Water and sewer rates are going up in Winona and for some surrounding communities. But aldermen aren’t quite sure when.

Aldermen delayed a decision this week until a state group can recommend what the city’s utility department should charge three or four surrounding rural water associations for water the associations buy from the city.

Aldermen delayed the move so they wouldn’t have to address the issues twice.

For existing city residential customers, aldermen are leaning toward raising rates from $11.50 for the first 2,000 gallons of water to $15. The city used to have staggered rates for the next 8,000 gallons and for above 10,000 gallons but aldermen are considering eliminating that system and simply charging $3 for every 1,000 gallons over the base rate.

For commercial customers, rates would go from $20.50 for the first 2,000 gallons to $23 and instead of a staggered rate for higher usage, customers would pay $3 for each 1,000 gallons over the base amount.

Sewer rates also would change with customers being charged 80 percent of their water bill for sewage.

If approved next month, the increase would be the city’s first in a decade and even that rate increase was only 50 cents.