As Richmond’s water rates increase, one farmer digs in

On Jan. 1, 2016, the third tier of Richmond’s water rate increase went into effect. This increase raised the water costs for all high-end users who use more than 100,000 gallons of water per month.

The rate has risen to $2 for every 1,000 gallons of water used above 100,000 gallons. One of the targeted users is beginning to feel the effects of the increase, while another is seeking to avoid the costs altogether.

Terry Spackman, a local farmer, said he feels the water rates are unfair because the city has already invested in the infrastructure he uses.

“It doesn’t cost the city any more money to send me 10,000 gallons of water than it does for them to send me 100,000 gallons,” Spackman said. “They only did this because they would rather have five people mad at them instead of the whole town.”

Water rates have increased to a point that Spackman said it has become cheaper for him to drill a well on his own property.

“Before my water bill went up, it just wasn’t feasible to even consider drilling a well,” Spackman said. “But now, it justifies me trying to find an alternative source.”

Mayor Mike Hall defended the price increase saying it is only fair to raise the rates of high-end users, because they are taking more advantage of the infrastructure.

“We believe that people who use more water should pay more for that water,” Hall said. “Terry Spackman needs to do some fact-checking, because the city has tried drilling wells before and it is not cheaper.”

One of the biggest water users in Richmond is Lower Foods and Alan Lower, the owner, said the rate increase has had an impact on his business, which has dealings all over the world.

“The city council thinks we can just pass these costs onto our customers through the price of our products,” Lower said. “But we can’t do that while trying to stay competitive in an international market.”

Water rates have been subject to debate ever since the city decided to construct a 2 million gallon water tank, in addition to improving infrastructure in 2013. The project came with a $5.5 million price tag, which Brad Jensen, the city councilman in charge of water, said was necessary to meet state standards.

“There are a certain amount of gallons that we are required to store in order to meet fire-flow requirements,” Jensen said. “Our new tank not only met those needs, but it also assumes for potential growth as the town expands over the next few years.”

Marlowe Adkins, the city manager, defended the council’s decision on the project, saying it was a very shrewd move on their part.

“I have been doing this for a long time and I have dealt with a lot of councils over the years,” Adkins said. “But this is by far one of the most forward-looking ones I have ever dealt with — they really see the big picture.”

With Spackman threatening to leave the city’s system, Hall said it would not raise the water rates of Richmond residents, should he choose to do so.

“We have already budgeted the money for the loan into our rates,” Hall said. “Terry Spackman is not as big of water user as he thinks he is.”