The Higginsville Board of Aldermen approved a 3.5 percent increase to its water rates during its meeting Monday.

The board approved this increase at the recommendation of the City’s water study, which was done a few years ago. The increase applies to all residents and water customers the City serves. The rate increase was designed to held to city keep up with inflation.

In addition to approving the increase, the board approved addendums to water purchase contracts with the City of Mayview and the Public Water Supply District No. 2, increasing the rates by 3.5 percent for those contracts as well.

The new rates are being implemented and will be charged on the utility statements due in October.

In other news, the board approved the 2024 property tax levy. The proposed rate of $1.0330 per $100 valuation is broken up into three different funds; including $.4618 for the General Fund, $.3812 for the Park, and $.1900 for the Library.

The next fiscal year begins October 1, 2024.