06/23/2026
Martin Water Rates Remain Lower Than Nearby Communities, City Figures Show
Shannon Taylor
CEO/Publisher
Martin’s water rates remain lower than those reported by several nearby communities, even with a 6.5% increase scheduled to take effect in July, according to figures provided by the City of Martin’s Public Works Department.
Public Works Director Randall Winston shared water-sale figures reported through the city’s annual Fiscal Fit report, a public financial filing that includes municipal utility data. The comparison lists average billed water amounts at 1,000, 3,000 and 5,000 gallons for Martin, Sharon, Dresden, Milan, Gibson County, Union City, South Fulton and Dyersburg.
At 1,000 gallons, Martin’s current average billed amount is $7.04. Following the July increase, that amount will rise to $7.49. The other systems listed in the comparison range from $11.30 in Sharon to $24.39 in Gibson County.
At 3,000 gallons, Martin’s current average billed amount is $13.94 and will increase to $14.85 in July. The comparison lists charges ranging from $18.40 in Sharon to $35.87 in Gibson County.
For customers using 5,000 gallons, Martin’s current average billed amount is $20.18. After the 6.5% increase, the average billed amount will be $21.49. The other communities included in the comparison range from $19.53 in Sharon to $47.35 in Gibson County.
Winston said he provided the figures to give city officials context as they continue to hear concerns about utility-rate increases and the cost of living in Martin.
The figures show Martin remains below Dresden, Milan, Gibson County, Union City, South Fulton and Dyersburg at all three listed consumption levels, even after the July increase. Sharon’s reported average billed amount remains higher than Martin’s at 1,000 and 3,000 gallons, but its 5,000-gallon amount of $19.53 is lower than Martin’s current $20.18 figure.
The comparison reflects average billed water amounts only and does not include sewer, sanitation, taxes, fees or other charges that may appear on a customer’s total monthly utility bill. It also uses last year’s reported figures for the other systems, while Martin’s figures reflect the city’s current reporting numbers and its planned July increase.
