HELENA — The City of Helena is implementing new water rates that will increase residents' monthly utility bills.
Learn more in the video below:
The Helena City Commission approved a 9% increase in water rates and an 8.5% increase in wastewater rates.
According to city staff, the water rate increase will cost the average residential customer about $4.64 more per month, based on average usage of 11 units. The average resident currently spends between $34 and $ 46 per month.
“The main reason we are going to need it is we are the first generation that needs to start to replace our infrastructure, you know our forefathers put it in as a great asset to the city and that has made the city what it is, but all that infrastructure has come to its functional life,” Ryan Leland, City of Helena Public Works director, said.
City staff say the increases will help address inflation, higher operating expenses, capital improvements, and debt payments.
The water rate increase also supports the city’s efforts to maintain its infrastructure and consider future water projects.
“New water meters are the big one. That is an $8 million project. We are going to replace half this year and then hopefully half of them next year. It is a big project. It is invasive. You have to go in everyone’s house,” Leland added.
The new water and wastewater rates are set to take effect Nov. 1. Residents can expect the changes to be reflected in their utility bills following the effective date.
