Customers whose water systems contract with the Ethel-based Mississippi Water Company (MWC) are likely to see a 38% increase in their rates beginning with the September billing cycle.
The rate increase – the first in 14 years - will affect roughly 310 Attala County residents. Currently, an average customer’s rate is $26.28 per month. This will increase to $36.40 once the order is officially adopted.
Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley held a public hearing last Thursday at the Attala County Courthouse regarding the Mississippi Water Company request.
MWC owner Galen Shumaker, his wife Patricia, Sallis Mayor Jack Ables and Sallis Alderman Brent Busbea were the only attendees other than Presley. No objections were made to the request.
“Nobody likes a rate increase,” Presley said. “But they’ve got to be able to provide a service and do what they need to do. They’ve been operating at a loss and haven’t had a rate increase in 14 years.”
Records submitted by Shumaker indicated that the company recorded a $43,194 loss in 2017. Shumaker said that the company made an estimated $30,000 worth of repairs in 2017, as well.
According to Shumaker, his company purchases water from the city of Kosciusko, which has increased the price it charges him twice during the same time period. The higher cost of environment-friendly additives has also led to an increase the company operating costs, according to Shumaker.
The approved request is pending formal adoption, which would come following a 14-day period in which other public service commissioners may object.
Customers who are unsure whether the rate increase will affect them should contact their water providers.
