New Madrid council OKs utility rate increase

jillb@standard-democrat.com

NEW MADRID -- It will cost a little more for residents to turn on the lights or water the lawn in New Madrid.

The New Madrid City Council unanimously approved a 3 percent increase in residential rates and a 4 percent increase for commercial, industrial and other large users, including New Madrid County Central High School and Middle School. The rate increase applies to electric, water and sewer usage.

New Madrid City Administrator John Gilbert said the need for a local increase became apparent after Southwestern Power Association raised its rates earlier this year by 5.42 percent.

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