Monday, March 24, 2025–9:10 a.m.
-Staff reports-
The Floyd County Commission will consider a water rate increase when they meet Tuesday.
Commissioners are being asked to approve a 15 percent increase after a water rate study showed that costs have increased, some dramatically, over the past 12 years.
“We have realized savings from external sources over the last 10 or 12 years, and we have done a great job with that,” said Floyd County Manager Jamie McCord during a public utilities and transportation committee meeting last month. “The diversity of our connectivity has grown and given us some options in what’s in our best interest. We’ve also grown our system, but everybody is aware that utilities, chlorine, fluoride, chemical, and treatment costs have increased. In some instances, we’ve doubled if not quadrupled costs. We’ve held steady as long as we can.”
The increase would mean an extra $3.92 a month for the typical water customer.
“Nobody wants to see an increase, but we are just at that point where we have to look ahead to the new systems coming online—the Biddy Well project and a lot of other capital projects,” McCord said. “We also have to maintain our meters and we are replacing some lines. We also have our connections to Cave Spring and Highway 53, putting in new water lines to keep everything serviced, flowing, and functioning.”
Commissioners will also consider a special use permit for a special events venue at 871 Reeceberg Road.
The planning commission voted to approve with conditions.
Meanwhile, a special use permit for a union hall at 32 Brownlow Drives comes to the commission with a recommendation to deny without prejudice so the applicant has time to gather additional information for review.
Tuesday’s Floyd County Commission meeting begins at 6 p.m.
The caucus starts at 4 p.m.
