OOLITIC– Oolitic residents may soon see a significant change in their monthly utility bills. Town Council Vice President Jon Broglin has announced a special meeting and public hearing to discuss a proposed 27% increase for Oolitic Water Works customers.
The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room at the Oolitic Town Hall.
According to Broglin, the town is currently at a breaking point due to years of “absorbing” rising costs. The last time Oolitic residents saw a rate increase was January 2020. Since then, two major factors have forced the council’s hand:
- Wholesale hikes from Bedford: Oolitic purchases its water from the City of Bedford. Bedford raised its rates in July 2021 and again in January 2026. Until now, the Town of Oolitic has absorbed these increases without passing them on to residents.
- Inflation and operational costs: Based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the cost of essential supplies—including parts, fuel, rentals, labor, and equipment—has risen an average of 3.75% annually since 2020. Over the six-year period, this represents a 22.49% increase in the cost of doing business.
Broglin emphasized that the utility is currently operating in the negative. The proposed 27% hike is designed to cover the 22.49% rise in costs, leaving a narrow 4.51% profit margin.
“To maintain the town’s aging infrastructure, the town cannot continue to lose or break even on the cost of water,” Broglin stated in an email. “There has to be a profit margin for rainy day events.”
The town has faced persistent challenges with its aging system, including failing water mains, service lines, valves, and hydrants. Without this adjustment, officials warn that the town cannot afford the repairs necessary to keep the water flowing reliably.
To avoid another “slap in the face” to residents—like this single 27% jump—the council is proposing a change to how future rates are handled.
The new plan suggests building an automatic yearly or biennial increase of 3% to 4% directly into the Rate Ordinance. Broglin believes this steady, incremental approach is more sustainable for both the town’s budget and the residents’ wallets than waiting five years for a massive adjustment.
Meeting Details
- What: Public Hearing on Water Rate Increase
- When: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Oolitic Town Hall, Board Room
Residents are encouraged to attend to voice their concerns and learn more about the state of the town’s water infrastructure.
