Shreveport City Council Approves Water and Sewer Rate Increase

Shreveport City Council discussing water and sewer rate increase.

News Summary

The Shreveport City Council has approved a 10% increase in water and sewer rates, effective this April. This decision addresses rising operating costs and the need for compliance with bond covenants. Additionally, the management of the Shreveport Water Assistance Program (SWAP) has shifted to the United Way of Northwest Louisiana, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of assistance programs. Despite these challenges, participants of SWAP will see a potential 10% discount on monthly bills, as efforts to support residents continue amid rising utility rates.

Shreveport City Council Passes Water and Sewer Rate Increase

In what has become a hot topic of discussion, the Shreveport City Council has decided to approve a 10% increase in water and sewer rates. This decision was made during their meeting on Tuesday and comes amidst rising operating expenses and the need to comply with bond covenants. For residents of Shreveport, the new rates will kick in starting this April.

The Reason Behind the Rate Hike

The Council members found themselves faced with a pressing issue — the need for additional funding to maintain city services. The increase aimed to sidestep a potential further bump of approximately 2% had they delayed taking action. As bills rise, this incremental adjustment was deemed necessary to keep up with operational costs. While rate increases are never popular, the Council felt it was essential to maintain the quality of services provided to the community.

Changes to the SWAP Program

termination of previous non-profits that managed the Shreveport Water Assistance Program (SWAP). The former organizations, which included Socialization Services and the Caddo Community Action Agency, have been removed from their roles, allowing the United Way of Northwest Louisiana to step in and take over management. Many Council members seemed surprised by this change, as they had thought United Way would work collaboratively with the past organizations.

Concerns About Assistance Programs

Administration Fees and Future Steps

15%, a slight increase from the 14% fee charged previously. Revelations like this have sparked discussions regarding budget allocations and whether this change will impact the overall effectiveness of SWAP.

What’s in Store for SWAP Participants?

eligible participants of the SWAP program: a planned 10% discount on their monthly water bills is set to be introduced. This means residents could potentially save between $5 to $10. For those grappling with high water bills, these savings will certainly provide some relief.

Community Support Efforts

Next Steps for the Council

As this story continues to evolve, both rate increases and program restructuring highlight the community’s commitment to ensuring all residents have access to vital resources. Shreveport, it appears, is ready to face these challenges head-on.