What is Public Fire Protection?

The new water rates took effect on January 1, 2006. The last time water rates were increased was in 1999. The biggest change you will notice on your utility bill is a separate line item for Public Fire Protection.

Prior to 1989, Jefferson Utilities billed the City a Public Fire Protection Charge. This charge was NOT for the Fire Department costs; but for a percentage of the cost of water mains and hydrants to provide the necessary water pressure for fire protection. This always has been an authorized rate by the Public Service Commission.

In 1989, the City of Jefferson Common Council voted to approve taking this cost off of the City's taxes whereby reducing your real estate taxes and require Jefferson Utilities to collect it through our water rates. Since 1989, this cost has been collected through the water rates not as a separate line item; but "rolled" into the volume and fixed meter charges. With these new water rates, the Public Service Commission is mandating that this charge now be shown as a separate line item.

Please remember that this charge has nothing to do with the Fire Dept. It is strictly the cost to provide enough water pressure to fight fires.