During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing issue of rising water rates and their impact on the community. With current annual funding of $1.2 million allocated to Port Royal Trade, concerns were raised about the potential for water bills to become unmanageable, likening them to car payments.

One official emphasized the need to prioritize reducing water bills, especially with a significant rate increase of 30% anticipated in January. The discussion highlighted the community's anxiety over these increases, with many residents reaching out for clarity on future costs.

A potential solution was proposed: utilizing an expected $912,000 in revenue from upcoming developments to mitigate the rate hike. Officials debated whether this funding could help lower the projected increase to 22% instead of the full 30%. However, they acknowledged the need for further analysis from CDM, a consulting firm, to assess the feasibility of this approach.

The conversation also touched on the implications of existing commitments tied to rate increases, particularly concerning loans for planning and design phases. Officials expressed the necessity of understanding whether these commitments were based on dollar amounts or percentage increases, which could affect future financial strategies.

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus on the urgency of addressing water rate concerns, with officials committed to exploring all available options to alleviate the financial burden on residents. Further discussions and analyses are expected in the coming weeks as the community awaits clarity on the impending rate changes.