At the July 12 City Council meeting, council members voted to eliminate the city’s tiered water rate structure for utility customers and implement an interim flat rate of $4.36 per 1,000 gallons for all gallons not included in the base rate.

The rate is effective Aug. 1.

Colleyville Mayor Richard Newton said the change in the water rate structure stems from residents complaining about unusually high water bills.

“This is a fairer system,” he said. “People shouldn’t have to pay more per gallon just because they use more water.”

The  lowest tier in the tiered system, which was approved last July, was $4.30 per 1,000 gallons.

“There will only be a 6 cent difference between the flat rate and the lowest tier,” Newton said. “There is going to be a reduction on everybody’s bill.”

By eliminating the tiered structure the city’s utility fund will see a decrease in revenue.

Newton said last year the fund had about $1.2 million in excess revenue that was transferred to the general fund.

With the new system, the general fund will no longer receive that money.

Newton said if any additional changes are to be made to the system, it would be in December.

“This will at least provide some temporary relief for customers during the summer months until the comprehensive study on water rates is done,” Newton said.