MARLIN, Texas (KXXV) – “It’s ridiculous, we’re just throwing money away for the city,” said Marlin resident Dustin Ulmer.

During Tuesday’s city council meeting, council members deliberated on whether or not to raise water rates by 25 percent.

“This is part of getting our revenue on track,” said Marlin City Manager Elza Daviss.

Daviss explained how reducing the minimum consumption from 0-4,000 gallons to 0-2,000 gallons would put the city in a better financial position, noting that this is the average rate for other local cities.

“We’re still 4,000 gallons off the mark compared to other cities,” Daviss explained.

But some neighbors disagree.

“The 25 percent increase is a lot of money, not everyone can afford it,” Ulmer said.

25 News spoke to one resident who said with ongoing water issues throughout the city, raising rates should not be an option.

“I’m still buying a lot of water and I want to buy a house in Falls County, I’ve told a lot of people that. I love Marlin, I love Falls County, but right now I feel like there is no hope because 25 percent is a huge amount, our water rates are already high,” Ulmer said.

Some council members are also against the rate change.

“I understand, but I think about these poor people here in Marlin, Texas. Struggle every day to pay what you have now. Is there any other way we can do this?” asked council member Scottie Henderson.

After more than 15 minutes of deliberation, the council decided they will soon conduct a rate study for the city that will help them figure out the appropriate water rates for our neighbors.

“The city has bills to pay, and I’m trying to make sure we can pay our bills,” Daviss said.

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