During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the potential for a rate increase for electric services, marking the first adjustment since May 2015. The proposed increase, currently estimated at 7.88%, comes in response to rising costs, particularly in the post-COVID era. Notably, the price of standard equipment has surged; for instance, a 45-foot utility pole that cost $446 in 2021 now stands at $803, while single-phase pad mount transformers have seen costs rise from approximately $1,500 to between $3,500 and $4,000, with significantly longer lead times for delivery.

The council was informed that the Public Service Commission (PSC) will review the rate case based on historical data, specifically looking back to 2014, as they do not consider future expenses in their evaluations. This means that any upgrades or new infrastructure, such as the planned Substation 5 set for 2025, will not factor into the current rate increase discussion.

The meeting also touched on the future of the local library, with city administrator Tim Blakeslee introducing a discussion on a space needs analysis funded by both the city and the library foundation. This analysis aims to develop initial concept designs and cost estimates for expanding the library to meet community needs over the next two decades. Library director Leslie and consultants from FEH will present various options for the council's consideration in upcoming discussions.

No immediate actions were taken during the meeting, as the council awaits further presentations and public input on both the rate increase and library project.