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Commission approves first reading of new water and wastewater rates after staff, consultant outline 7.9% revenue plan
Summary
On first reading commissioners approved Ordinance No. 10163 to update water and wastewater rates; staff and consultant said the revenue package equates to a roughly 7.9% aggregate revenue increase over the adopted term, citing asset work and debt-service targets.
On Sept. 16 the Lawrence City Commission gave first-reading approval to Ordinance No. 10163, which updates the city's water- and wastewater-rate schedules. The motion passed on a 5-0 voice vote; staff said second reading is scheduled for Oct. 7 and rate changes would take effect Jan. 1, 2026 if the ordinance is adopted.
City staff and the city's rate consultant presented a multi-year financial forecast tied to the city's capital-improvement plan for water and wastewater infrastructure. Colin Dratt of Raftelis told the commission the proposed revenue plan would generate roughly a 7.9% aggregate increase across utility revenues over the adopted period. The consulting team said the forecast balances projected operating costs, inflation and capital financing needs while aiming to meet the city's reserve policies and a debt-service coverage ratio target of roughly 1.7.
The presen…
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