Kidder Raises Water Rates to Offset Losses

KIDDER, MO — A lengthy discussion on water and sewer rate increases and whether to renew a contract with PWSD#2 dominated a public meeting recently held at Kidder City Hall. The current contract with the rural water district expired June 21. That contract had Kidder getting water meter readings from the district to send out billing. In addition, the city collects water samples to be sent for testing by the Department of Natural Resources and also handles other clerical duties. Kidder’s attorney, Jan Stout, outlined pros and cons of a proposal to join the water district. A major concern involves circumstances whenever a consumer moves away leaving the city with an unpaid water bill which would make the city liable to the water district. The city would also be responsible to the water district for purchasing computer software required by the USDA. Following discussion, the Kidder council agreed to not join the water district and to come up with a plan to read water meters. Until that plan is developed, meter readings will be averaged and charged to consumers. Kidder’s water fund lost $9,420 last year and is projected to lose $12,770 this year unless rates are adjusted. The council vote approved a rate increase as follows: $17 for the first 1,000 gallons; $4 for the second 1,000 gallons; $3 for the third; $2 for the fourth; and $1 for every 1,000 gallons thereafter, or the equivalent to a $9 increase for 5,000 gallons water.