The Mayfield Town Council held a public hearing on Nov. 10, 2026, to receive public comments on a proposed ordinance to increase water rates, following months of discussions regarding a revenue gap in the town's water system.
Public Hearing on Proposed Ordinance
The hearing, held at Mayfield Town Hall, was intended to allow residents to voice opinions on the potential rate adjustments, according to a public notice from the town.
Identifying the Revenue Gap
The move toward higher rates follows a water-rate study presented to the council during an Oct. 7 work meeting and continued during an Oct. 14 meeting. The analysis, presented by Janelle Braithwaite of the Rural Water Association of Utah, identified a significant funding gap in the town's water budget.
Financial Projections and Savings
According to the study, Mayfield currently generates approximately $149,000 annually in water-sales revenue, but requires an estimated $173,000 to break even. The analysis suggested a rate scenario projected to generate $197,000 annually, which would cover expenses and support a 10 percent initial savings goal to prepare for infrastructure repairs and equipment replacement.
Impact on Resident Bills
The proposed changes would impact both base charges and usage-based tiers. Under the scenario presented by Braithwaite, the base charge for culinary water would rise from $30 to $41 per month. Additionally, the study proposed increases for graduated usage tiers, which could raise the average monthly water bill from $44.32 to $58.72, representing a 32.5 percent increase.
Council Debates Implementation
During the Oct. 14 meeting, Mayor Travis Good questioned if the proposed adjustments would provide sufficient financial protection, suggesting a 26 percent increase as an alternative to avoid recurring adjustments every few years.
Long-term Utility Planning
The town's financial challenges include a draft budget from a May 5 work meeting that projected a deficit of approximately $40,051 in the public utility fund. To address long-term improvements, the council has also supported pursuing a Community Development Block Grant application for an aquifer-recharge project to improve groundwater conditions.
Current Drought Rates In Effect
The town's current water rates include special drought charges, which set a $40 base charge compared to the regular $30 charge. The final impact on residents will depend on the final ordinance, actual water usage, and whether drought charges are applied.
