Killeen City Council approves water rate increase, raises concerns for residents

KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) - In 2020, a study done by the American Water Works Association found that the city of Killeen did not have enough water revenue to support their budget for future infrastructure projects, so they proposed a 5-year plan to gradually increase water rates to meet their goal.

However, when the Killeen City Council approved the increased water rates for this year, residents were concerned of what this increase would mean for homeowners and businesses

Killeen resident Melissa Brown spoke to the council on how the proposed changes would affect future businesses and residents.

“We have very low rates very low fees and very low taxes, all three of those things are starting to diminish and go away so there are fewer and fewer incentives to come into Killeen without offering a lot of money that we just don’t have available,” Brown explains.

Janell Ford, Executive Director of Communications for the City of Killeen says this change is meant to encourage residents to save water.

“Most recently we were under water restrictions and some people were watering when they weren’t supposed to.”

While this change will raise rates for businesses, colleges, and even hospitals, the city says this will only impact 5% of residents.

“It is a 5% increase for those who are using 15,001 gallons up to 30,000,” Ford explains. “And it’s a 10% increase for those above 30,000 who are using that much water.”

Ford says that despite the increased commercial rate, water rates are more affordable in Killeen than surrounding areas.

“We are still in the bottom tier when it comes to how much we are charging for our water rates, so out of 15 cities we are in the bottom two,” Ford said.

If this change will negatively impact your home or business, Brown recommends explaining your side to the council.

“Let them know their position on rates and fees, and how it’s going to affect them personally and make sure the council has all the information they need going forward,” Brown said.

For more information, click here for the City of Killeen’s agenda for June 11th’s meeting.