Jacksboro water rate increase taking effect in October

The City of Jacksboro will increase water rates and its capital improvement fee after a vote by the Jacksboro City Council Monday, Sept. 22, set to take effect under the billing cycle beginning Sunday, Oct. 19.

Base charges for residential and commercial usage will remain the same at $24 and $32, respectively, while consumption rates will increase by 3 cents per 1,000 gallons of water used. The capital improvements fee, assessed monthly to help fund infrastructure upgrades like replacing water mains, installing new water meters or improving treatment facilities, will increase from $3 to $6.

Water customers can expect to see an approximate $3.30 increase on the water bill. No changes were made to sewer service rates as customers were already notified of a 1.44% increase to garbage collection service rates.

The change comes as the city searches for additional revenue sources to fund growing expenses like law enforcement and emergency services, road rehabilitation and capital investment projects like a new water treatment plant.

While reconciling the proposed (now adopted) budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, City Manager Mike Smith recommended the city raise its water rates now, and suggested rates be raised again once the new plant is complete. 

A copy of the ordinance to raise water rates and the capital improvement fee, as well as a breakdown of water usage rates can be found on the City of Jacksboro website at cityofjacksboro.com.