HOLT, Fla., July 27, 2023—Monthly water usage rates at Holt Water Works Inc. are changing next month.

The board of directors approved an increase of residential and commercial rates during the July 17 board meeting.

The next bill members receive will be under the current rates with rate changes occurring on the August bill at the end of next month.

“This month’s bill will be the last $17.55 bill,” said Holt Water Manager Donna Ash.

The increase keeps Holt Water in line with Baker Water, but is well below Milligan’s rates, she said.

Between 2015 and 2021, Holt Water’s basic residential rates remained steady at $12.50 per month.

Beginning in August, residential rates will increase to $18.25 and commercial rates increase to $21.39 for up to 2,500 gallons of water used on a 3/4-inch line.

For a complete breakout of the rate increases, visit the Holt Water website.

This third annual rate increase since 2021 is part of an asset management and fiscal sustainability plan presented by the Florida Rural Water Association and approved by the board in 2021.

The five-year plan assessed the current conditions of Holt Water’s fixed capital assets, such as water treatment plant, distribution system, hydrants, valves, etc. It also provided recommendations, procedures and tools to assist with long-range asset protection and water utility reinvestment.

Included in the plan is an annual rate increase schedule to keep Holt Water rates in line with other water utilities and to allow for needed upgrades, such as pipe, valves and hydrants.

Steady increase in operating expenses driven by inflation is another driving factor behind the rate increase.

“We didn’t raise our rates for a long time, but we didn’t have the increases in operating expenses before like we do now,” said Ash.