Hinds has recommended the new rates go into effect no later than July 1. Hinds said the increase was needed to help balance the overall budget and to include the full cost of capital improvements. The new rates were determined by a staff study of the costs of providing the services to city residents. Currently, Ardmore has one of the lowest sewer rates for cities of comparable size in Oklahoma and Texas. With the new rate system proposed by Hinds, rates would be increased and based on meter size and average water usage.
Most residential customers have a -inch meter.
Hinds said he believes the new rates are consistent with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency and the City's contracts with that agency for federal grant funds.