BROUSSARD, LA (AP) — The Broussard City Council has agreed to increase utility rates for city residents, bumping up water, sewer and garbage fees.
The new rates are being imposed as part of a 5-year plan to increase utility rates after an audit found the city was losing money.
The Advocate’s Kevin Thibodeaux reports the monthly residential water rates increased from $6.57 for the first 2,000 gallons of usage and $2.27 per 1,000 gallons after that to $7.03 for the first 2,000 gallons and $2.43 per 1,000 gallons after that.
For sewer services, Broussard residents previously paid $4.50 for the first 3,000 gallons of usage and $2.02 per subsequent 1,000 gallons per month. They'll now pay a monthly $4.82 for the first 3,000 gallons and $2.16 per 1,000 gallons after that.
In addition, residents also will see increased fees to activate these services. A refundable deposit of $100 will be charged to activate water meters — double its previous amount — while the sewer tap fee will increase from $75 to $200.
The new rates will go into effect on Feb. 1.
Residents also will see an increased fee for garbage pickup. The city previously charged $17.98 a month. The fee now has been increased to an even $19 a month.
The fee increase was adopted without debate. It will go into effect retroactively for the month of January.
