<div>carla@themonitor.netMABANK ‑Mayor Randy Teague outlined rising water system costs before the Mabank City Council’s regular meeting Nov. 10, explaining why water rates are increasing.Teague said electricity costs for producing and delivering water have risen more than 40% over the past five years. During that time, the city has worked on water system upgrades. The cost of large-diameter PVC pipe used for pumping, distribution and repairs has risen more than 35%, along with gasoline and diesel prices have more than doubled, he said. According to Teague, water treatment chemical costs have risen by 30% to more than 60% since 2020, Caustic soda and lime costs are up about 64%, while polyphosphates are up about 53%. He continued with saying, disinfectants, including chlorine and sodium hypochlorite, cost more than 31% more.Teague said the average hourly wage needed to remain competitive for middle-income workers in Texas has risen 36%. He went on to say, “Insurance rates across the state have increased more than 25% over the past five years. Prices for raw steel materials have risen 50% to 150%, depending on the type. Structural steel has climbed from about $1,600 a ton in 2020 to an average of $2,700. Concrete has risen from about $105 per cubic yard in 2020 to a statewide average of $138.”The mayor stated that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality expanded emergency preparedness requirements to all Texas counties under Senate Bill 3 after the 2021 ice storms. The requirements call for improved generators at all pump stations, he said. Generators, electrical work, engineering and related upgrades cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, he added.The city is upgrading pump stations at Tarlton, Elm Grove, State Highway 198, Goshen and Whitehall, Teague said. Teague said the work includes replacing decades-old pipes, pumps, storage tanks, generators and other materials. He said the upgrades will help maintain water service and protect the city’s Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) rights for decades. Municipal water and sewer rates across Texas have risen an average of 24.2% since 2021, he said.Teague said the city compared its base charges with those in other communities around the lake. “We’re still one of the cheapest waters you can get,” he said.In other business, the council:•Heard presentations from the FFA Ag-Publicity Team and the Issues Team.•Authorized an application for financial assistance from the Texas Water Department Board.•Approved an amendment to Ordinance 2026-003 to exclude recreational vehicles on property owned or controlled by the city.</div>

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MABANK ‑Mayor Randy Teague outlined rising water system costs before the Mabank City Council’s regular meeting Nov. 10, explaining why water rates are increasing. Teague said electricity costs for producing and delivering water have risen more than 40% over the past five years. During that time, the city has worked on water system upgrades. The cost of large-diameter PVC pipe used for pumping, distribution and repairs has risen more than 35%, along with gasoline and diesel prices have more than doubled, he said.

Mabank mayor explains water rate increase

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MABANK ‑Mayor Randy Teague outlined rising water system costs before the Mabank City Council’s regular meeting Nov. 10, explaining why water rates are incr

Mabank mayor explains water rate increase

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