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

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, council members deliberated on whether or not to increase water rates by 25 percent.

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

Daviss explained how lowering the minimum usage from 0-4,000 gallons to 0-2,000 gallons would put the city in a better financial position, mentioning that this is the average rate of other local cities.

“We’re still out of the norm at 4,000 gallons compared to other cities,” Daviss explained.

But some neighbors disagree.

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

25 News spoke to a resident who said that with constant water problems throughout the city, raising rates should not be an option.

“I always buy a lot of water and I want to buy a house in Falls County, I’ve told a lot of people. I love Marlin, I love Falls County, but at this point I feel like there is no hope because 25% 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 of these poor people here in Marlin, Texas. They struggle every day to pay for what you currently have. Is there another way to do this? asked board member Scottie Henderson.

After more than 15 minutes of deliberation, the council decided to conduct a city rate study soon, which will help it determine 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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