A copy of the Ordinance that was introduced at the Town of Jonesboro Board of Alderman meeting regarding the increase in water rates for consumers of the Jonesboro Water System has been released. Also included is a comparative study showing current vs future water rates that is expected to be implemented on January 1, 2025.
“We felt it was important to want everyone to know exactly how they will be affected,” said Jonesboro Mayor J. “Spike” Harris. “Hopefully this will help answer a lot of questions.”
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE WATER RATES FOR THE TOWN OF JONESBORO WATER SYSTEM EFFECTIVE JANUARY 01, 2025
WHEREAS, the Town of Jonesboro has reviewed its current water rates and has determined that an adjustment is necessary to ensure the sustainability and improvement of the water system;
WHEREAS, the Town will transfer $260,000 from the general fund to offset water rates and allocate these funds for the proposed water rate increase;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of Jonesboro, Louisiana, that the water rates for the Town of Jonesboro Water System shall be amended as follows:
Water Rate Comparison Chart
| User Category | Current Rates | Proposed Rates |
| Residential Inside City Limits | $16.00 per first 2,000 gallons plus $4.50 per 1,000 gallons | $26.00 per first 2,000 gallons plus $5.00 per additional 1,000 gallons |
| Residential Outside City Limits | $24.00 per 2,000 gallons + $5.00 per 1,000 gallons | $36.00 per 2,000 gallons + $5.00 per 1,000 gallons |
| Commercial Inside City Limits | $20.00 per 2,000 gallons + $4.50 per 1,000 gallons | $60.00 per 2,000 gallons + $5.00 per 1,000 gallons |
| Commercial Inside City Limits | $20.00 per 2,000 gallons + $5.00 per 1,000 gallons | $70.00 per 2,000 gallons + $5.00 per 1,000 gallons |
| Schools | $240 per 2,000 gallons + $5.00 per 1,000 gallons | $250.00 per 2,000 gallons + $5.00 per 1,000 gallons |
| Industrial Inside City Limits | $751.00 per 2,000 gallons + $5.00 per 1,000 gallons | $761.00 per 2,000 gallons + $5.00 per 1,000 gallons |
Section 3: Duration of Rates
The proposed new rates will remain in effect for one year from the date of approval by the Town Council. If, after one year, the Town of Jonesboro is still on a flat rate and not utilizing meter readings, all rates will increase by $10.00.
Section 4: Rate Study
The Town of Jonesboro reserves the right to conduct a rate study after new water meters are implemented, at which time the rates may be subject to change.
Section 6: Effective Date
This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
Section 7: Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
Section 8: Severability
If any provision or item of this ordinance, or the application thereof, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items, or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.