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Budget includes proposed 3% wastewater rate increase as city readies wastewater facility master plan
Summary
The budget proposes a 3% increase in wastewater utility rates for FY25-26 to prepare for projects expected from an upcoming wastewater-facility master plan update; staff also budgeted for possible new testing requirements tied to the NPDES permit renewal (ammonia testing).
City staff proposed a 3% wastewater-rate increase for FY25-26 in the budget presented to the committee as a precautionary step while the city completes a wastewater-facility master plan update.
Staff said the wastewater facility master plan — an 18-month effort that started in November — will identify substantial projects at the wastewater‑treatment plant. Anticipating those capital needs, the budget includes a modest 3% rate increase to begin to build capacity for project financing. Staff said final, council-level authorization is still required to implement the rate change.
Budget planners also noted that a pending renewal of the citys NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit could add monitoring requirements; the proposed wastewater budget includes funds for ammonia testing that currently are not part of the citys existing permit but are expected in the renewal process.
The committee asked technical questions about the sewer-plant construction fund and the timing of master-plan deliverables; staff said the master plan is scheduled to finish about June 2026 and that the sewer plant construction and reserve funds are being built to absorb likely projects identified in the plan.
