Video: Houston Water Rates to Rise, Could Create Jobs

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HOUSTON, Miss. (WCBI) – Many towns have issues with aging water infrastructure that needs to be fixed, but the funds can be hard to find.

Houston Mayor Stacey Parker says they have been trying to fix their issues for about a decade, taking it one step at a time.

Now some new matching funds from the state will help them finally get some things completed, but it won’t be without a cost.

Houston residents and business owners could soon have a higher water bill.

The extra funds will fix old and broken lines and add some much needed infrastructure.

“That’s a work in progress, it’s a need for fire protection especially to our industry, that’s what this centers around,” says Mayor Parker.

Those changes include a new well, a new water tank and some new lines.

Upgrades that Mayor Parker says are much needed since the systems were built in the 70’s.

“You can’t see the things underground that have dilapidated. We have been working for the last 10 years on our system,” says Mayor Parker.

Even though some of the changes will mean higher water rates, Mayor Parker says it’s a cost that will pay off as the changes could mean new jobs.

“We will be prepared for some industry or new business,” says Mayor Parker.

No word yet on how high prices could float.

The total project cost is around 3 million dollars, the city has to come up with about half that.

Mayor Parker says he hopes residents will be able to handle the rise in rates since there has only been one small tax increase in Houston in the last 10 years.