Oak Ridge North's aging infrastructure leads to increase in water, sewer rates

Oak Ridge North residents received a letter Sept. 27 from the City Council and Mayor Jim Kuykendall detailing the city's decision to increase its water and sewer utility rates from a $10.63 minimum to a $15 minimum for water and an increase from a $32.30 to $38 for more than 10,000 gallons for the new sewer rate.

The changes mean the rates will increase at a cost of $4.40 for water and $5.70 for sewer utility rates, and new rates will affect commercial businesses, schools, and residents.

For the Conroe ISD schools in the Oak Ridge North area, the first 2,000 gallons of water will cost, at a monthly minimum, $34.61, and each 1,000 gallons thereafter will be charged at a rate of $6.60. Formerly, CISD paid $27.03 for 2,000 gallons and $4.02 per 1,000 gallons thereafter.

In its most recent meeting Sept. 24, the City Council approved a resolution that allows the city to proceed with its sanitary sewer rehabilitation project.

City Manager Vicky Rudy said the reason for the increases in water and sewer rates is due largely to the city's aging infrastructure, and in his letter to the city, Kuykendall agreed, stating the "40-year-old water plant on Robinson Road will be replaced to continue meeting the needs of our city."

Rudy also said the cost of water and sewer service to the city has risen.

The new rates will go into effect with the utility bills Oak Ridge North residents will receive in November.