INEZ, Ky. (AP) — A troubled Kentucky water district has raised its rates for the second time this year.
News outlets report the Kentucky Public Service Commission approved a permanent rate increase for the Martin County Water District on Monday.
Customers of the eastern Kentucky water district will see an average increase of $3.30 a month. That’s on top of the hike approved earlier this year, which added an average $11 a month.
Additional surcharges will come into play if the district hires an outside management.
PSC Chairman Michael Schmitt said in a release that years of mismanagement made the rate hike necessary to stave off financial collapse.
Water Board Treasurer Jimmy Kerr declined to comment to news outlets Monday.
Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear announced an investigation into the district’s management in June.
