Rate Increase

To all members of the Oktoc Rural Water Association            11 August 2025

At the annual Mississippi Rural Water Association annual conference held in May of this year your water association was awarded the title of best tasting water in Mississippi. This is an honor not to be taken lightly as there are approximately 1243 small water associations in this state and this award allows you to add tremendous value to your property. In addition, your association is working to keep your system modernized by replacing old lines and upgrading your three water wells. This year we upgraded several creek crossings and work is underway to upgrade well #1 located at the corner of Oktoc and Mt Olive roads. This will be followed by upgrades at the Akins Road well and pumping station. By keeping salaries competitive, modernizing equipment and working to reduce water loss we are striving to keep expenses as low as possible.

Repairs, upgrades and modernization do come at a cost. Your present system rates were established in 2014 and these rates are now failing to provide the association with the state required investment return to keep this water system viable.  Using information and guidance from the Mississippi State University Extension Service, The Mississippi Water Resource Research Institute. The Mississippi Rural Water Association, The Mississippi Dept of Health division of Public Water Supply and numerous sometimes lively board discussions, it has been determined that to keep your water association fiscally viable in the future that a simple water rate adjustment is warranted.

Effective the September 1, 2025 billing cycle, the new residential water rates have been increased yet simultaneously simplified. The base rate increases from $18 to $21 for the first 2000 gallons. 30% of our members will only notice a $3 increase in their water bill. The water consumed over 2000 gallons will be billed at only $4 for 1000 gallons. This increase remains well below the state average for water service and aligns closely with the recommendations of the Mississippi Rural Water Association and MSU Ext. Service.

Your Oktoc Water Board of Trustees is constantly aware of the income and expenses of the association as well as the impact of inflation on its members. A rate adjustment comes only after careful study and deliberation. It is never taken lightly. If you feel this increase is unwarranted or simply would like more information, please contact your water board via the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District (662 324-7860) and ask a board member to contact you. You may also ask to be placed on the board agenda for the next board meeting scheduled for Monday, 8 Sept 2025.

Respectfully, Your Oktoc Water Association

Joe Stewart, President