Waukee council approves multi-utility rate increases, including 2.5% water hike

The Waukee City Council approved second readings of ordinances raising rates for city utilities, including a 2.5% increase to water base and per‑1,000‑gallon charges and a 1% increase to sewer charges.

Rudy, city staff, presented a table of recommended rate increases and said the water changes were planned “for this July first of 2025.” Rudy told the council staff recommended approving the second reading of the ordinance and title only.

The increases approved at second reading included an 8.78% increase to the stormwater charge — described in staff materials as an increase equivalent to $0.65 — and a $2.50 increase to the single‑family solid‑waste charge (described in staff comments as roughly a 14.3% increase), with multifamily solid‑waste charges reduced from $2.80 to $2.50. Rudy also said the city will increase small‑volume and large‑volume natural‑gas service charges and the commodity charge; specific dollar amounts for the gas changes were not specified in the meeting.

Council members voted on each second reading by roll call. For the water, sewer, stormwater, solid‑waste and natural‑gas ordinances, the council recorded votes of Yes from Council member Sinclair, Council member Kron, Council member Grove, Council member Pierce and Council member Battenberg; each motion passed.

Staff said the water increase had been included in the budget preparation materials presented to the council. The meeting did not include additional public comment or separate hearings on these rate changes; the council acted on second readings as shown on the agenda.