Red Oak council amends master fee schedule to increase water rates and meter-equivalency factor

The Red Oak City Council voted unanimously to adopt resolution 25-017 r, amending the city’s master fee schedule to increase monthly water rates by 3.05% and to raise the meter-equivalency factor by 20%, as staff recommended following the city’s prior rate study.

A staff presenter said the city completed a water and wastewater rate study in 2023 and that the most recent recommendation included a 3.05% increase for 2025 plus a 20% meter-equivalency adjustment. Staff noted the meter-equivalency adjustment recommended for 2024 was not implemented and that the current recommendation accounts for that prior deferral. Council was told that the city is conducting a new rate study now and expects to bring updated recommendations after winter averaging is complete.

Vote and effect: Council adopted the amendment by a 4-0 vote. Staff said the updated rate study will be completed and returned to council early in the next calendar year to inform future changes.

Provenance: the discussion and motion appear in the meeting packet and audio record; staff presented background from the 2023 study and described the 2025 adjustments during the meeting.