Water rate hike on the horizon
By Suzanne Werre
Editor
A water rate increase is probably in Underwood residents’ futures. How much that increase will be has yet to be determined.
The Underwood City Commission briefly discussed the impending increase, with City Auditor Diane Schell noting that it probably should be at least $2 more per month to cover the shortage the city is already facing just a few months into 2019.
The commissioners, however, took no action toward raising the water rates, opting to wait until the city’s water rate study that is being completed by Midwest Assistance is finished, so there can be just one increase this year. Midwest Assistance will be looking at the city’s water usage, financials and infrastructure, using a formula to determine what an appropriate water rate for the city would be.
Wednesday’s commission meeting saw the commissioners make quick work of several items on the agenda, including several building permits. Building Inspector Glen Earl even found a way for a local citizen to build a larger garage than the owner had expected, that will cost him less, and it will comply with the city’s ordinances and not require a variance. Earl’s findings prompted resident Barry Zietz to withdraw a variance request, and he will be putting forth a building permit request with the new specs in the near future.
