Water Rate Increase Approved in Johnson City

Johnson City trustees have approved a water rate increase which will take effect next month. The water rate in Johnson City has been a flat rate for the past seven years, and many officials believe it has led to a mounting debt of almost $800,000. With the new system, customers inside the village will see an increase of $10 on the village’s base rate of water consumption, which is 1,000 cubic feet. For every 100 cubic feet of water used beyond the original 1,000, the rate goes up to $2.25, and those living outside the village will pay $3 for that additional water. Mayor Greg Deemie says the village board will look for additional ways to save on the budget. The new water rates take effect on April 1st.