Dell Rapids City Council approves water and sewer rate increases and ClearGov budget tool

During the Dell Rapids City Council meeting on December 2, 2024, significant discussions centered around utility rate increases and a new budget transparency initiative aimed at enhancing community engagement.

The council approved a modest increase in water and sewer rates, which will affect residents starting in January. For a typical household using 5,000 gallons of water, the monthly bill will rise by approximately $3.83, bringing the total to $130.38. The sewer rate will also see a 5% increase, raising the per-thousand-gallon charge from $5.11 to $5.37. This adjustment is part of the city's ongoing efforts to maintain and improve its water and wastewater services.

In addition to utility rates, the council discussed the annexation of land for the next phase of the Spruce Glen housing development. This move is expected to facilitate growth in the area and enhance the city's housing options. The annexation will make Dell Rapids a more contiguous city, which is beneficial for planning and service delivery.

Another key topic was the introduction of ClearGov, a cloud-based budgeting tool designed to improve transparency and accessibility of the city’s financial information. The council approved a proposal to implement this software in 2025, which will allow residents to easily access budget data and understand how public funds are being utilized. The initiative aims to create a more user-friendly budget book that can be updated regularly, enhancing the community's ability to engage with local government finances.

The meeting concluded with positive financial updates, indicating that the city is on track to finish the year with an increase in revenue compared to previous years. This financial health will support ongoing and future projects aimed at improving the quality of life for Dell Rapids residents.

Overall, the council's decisions reflect a commitment to responsible fiscal management and community engagement, ensuring that residents are informed and involved in local governance.