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Council approves modest water and wastewater rate increase to cover shortfall
Summary
The council approved a 3% increase in water and wastewater rates to cover a projected shortfall of about $57,000 for fiscal year 2025–26; councilors debated alternatives including use of general‑fund reserves but approved the rate adjustment.
The City Council on July 21 approved a modest 3% increase to water and wastewater rates intended to cover an estimated $57,059 shortfall for fiscal year 2025–26.
Staff presented the rate adjustment as needed to keep utility funds balanced. Council discussion ranged from technical budget questions to broader fiscal priorities. One alderman objected, arguing the city had recently budgeted about $178,800 for a unified development ordinance and that the council could use general fund savings instead of raising utility rates. City staff clarified that utility funds are distinct from the general fund and that any cross‑fund transfers would require specific council action.
Finance staff said the rate change translates to a small household impact: for a bimonthly water user consuming about 8,000 gallons, the increase equates to less than $6 per year. When the motion passed, the rates change moved forward as proposed.
The council record shows the rate change was adopted after a motion and second and subsequent roll‑call vote; staff will implement the revised schedule and include the change in billing cycles and customer notices.
