Finlayson water rate adjustments take effect

Adjustments made to Finlayson water rates went into effect on July 1, and will begin with the July billing cycle.

According to a notice from the city, the water system has been running on a deficit which is no longer sustainable.

The notice reads in part:

"When the system was first constructed, it was designed to serve not only Finlayson but also nearby communities. That regional expansion never occurred, leaving Finlayson residents solely responsible for the costs of maintaining the water tower, treatment system, and operations. Rising costs, aging infrastructure, and limited user base have made it necessary to begin addressing these challenges."

The Finlayson City Council approved a base rate increase from $35 to $40 a month for residential users, and from $46 to $51 a month for commercial customers.

Both residential and commercial customers will also see an increase in usage rates, from $0.0055 to $0.0063 per gallon for residential users, and $0.0060 to $0.0069 per gallon for commercial ones.

Finlayson is working with the city’s engineering firm on a report to review the water infrastructure and pinpoint future maintenance needs.

That report is expected in August, at which time the city will determine if additional rate changes are necessary.