The Marshall Municipal Utilities Board of Public Works is meeting with the Marshall City Council during a special work session to discuss a potential water rate increase in the city.

MMU General Manager Jeff Bergstrom tells KMMO News that there is a growing need for a water rate increase because of future capital improvement projects and rising costs.

 

One major project includes about $20 million of improvements at the Water Treatment Plant. The Board of Public Works is interested in a 20 percent increase, pending information from the Water Distribution System Master Plan. While the board can make a recommendation, its up to the Marshall City Council for final approval on a rate increase. Bergstrom explains the goal of the work session is to keep the council informed about what MMU’s needs are.

 

Bergstrom says he’s looked into grant programs from the Department of Natural Resources to help fund some capital improvements, but has had little luck getting MMU to qualify at this time. The session will begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday in the MMU Service Center Conference Room.