Flat Rate Water Fee for Biloxi?
Biloxi council tables water and sewer rate hike over fairness concerns
The Biloxi City Council voted unanimously to table a proposed flat-rate water and sewer increase after a councilman raised concerns about its impact on low-usage customers.
At the Oct. 21 meeting, Councilman Glavin, representing Ward 6, told the council, "I think it puts a heavy burden on our everyday working citizen, and those that use the water the least are being asked to foot the bill the most." His comments came during discussion of the proposed ordinance, which would have raised rates by the same flat amount for all customers regardless of usage. Following his remarks, Glavin asked staff to study a tiered rate structure as an alternative. The council then voted 7-0 to table the measure "subject to call," meaning it can return to the agenda without additional public notice and with no new date currently set for reconsideration.
A flat-rate increase applies the same cost to every ratepayer regardless of how much water or sewer service they use, which can place a larger relative burden on households with lower consumption. The council's decision to pause the measure and explore a tiered approach instead marks a shift from the original proposal, though the item remains open for future action.