City Approves Slight Increase in Water Bills

By: Shelia Mader

Marianna residents will see a modest increase in the garbage portion of their water bills following action taken at a recent special meeting. City officials approved a roughly $1.96 monthly increase to offset higher costs imposed by Waste Pro, including delayed consumer price index and tipping fee adjustments that reduced the city’s usual margin used to balance the general budget. City staff emphasized the increase is not intended to generate new profit and would still keep Marianna’s rates lower than surrounding cities and the county. Commissioners also approved language allowing future garbage rate adjustments tied to CPI increases without requiring annual votes, unless the increase is significant. During discussion, commissioners voiced concern about protecting the city’s long-standing backdoor pickup service for senior citizens and residents with mobility challenges, stressing there is no intent to eliminate the service for those who genuinely need it. The commission unanimously approved the updated resolution, with the new rates expected to appear on bills starting next week.