BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE— The Starke City Commission is set to raise natural gas prices for its customers by 5% now and for the foreseeable future.
The ordinance, which passed first reading on Sept. 6, calls for a 5% increase every year in the base rate and distribution charges until the commission decides otherwise. The rates will increase every Oct. 1.
Immediately when the ordinance is finalized, residential customers will see a $2 increase in the ratepayer base service charge to $10. The base fuel charge is rising from 36.3 cents per therm to 64 cents, and the distribution charge is rising from 56 cents per therm to 72 cents.
The base service charge will be $11 for residential customers outside the city limits, and the distribution charge will be 79 cents per therm.
The ratepayer base service charge for nonresidential customers will increase from $17.50 to $25. The base fuel charge will be the same as the residential rate — 64 cents per therm, up from 36 cents. The distribution charge will rise from 41 cents to 61 cents.
The base service charge for nonresidential customers outside the city limits will be $27.50, up from $19.25, and the distribution charge will increase to 67 cents per therm, up from 46 cents.
In a previous draft of the ordinance, the 5% annual rate increases would have sunset in Fiscal Year 2028-29. In the version voted on last week, the annual increases are perpetual, continuing until the commission decides to stop them.
The ordinance will be effective upon approval at the second reading in October.
