4 Rivers Sewer Commission approves FY2026 $32.99 million budget and 40¢ per CCF rate increase

The 4 Rivers Sewer Commission voted Feb. 26 to adopt a proposed fiscal year 2026 budget of $32,991,128 and to approve proposed sewer user rates that raise the residential charge from $8.11 to $8.51 per CCF, a 40¢ increase.

The commission chair opened discussion on the proposed budget and asked Paul Furlan, the commission administrator, to summarize changes from FY25. Furlan said revenue increases on the draft budget stem in part from a planned 40¢ increase in the sewer user charge and higher septic hauler revenue; the septic line is budgeted to rise from roughly $500,000 to $1,000,000 in FY26.

"We budgeted a million dollars in septic revenue this year," Furlan said. "That revenue stream is substantial and helped us avoid putting the increase on ratepayers alone." He also told commissioners the proposed FY26 budget is balanced without using retained earnings or free cash.

The budget presentation included an estimate of the impact on an average household: an increase of about $21.20 per year based on 53 CCF of annual use. Furlan also noted the commission followed the model provided by the rate consultant Raftelis (the rate-study firm engaged last year) when preparing the new rates and budget.

Commissioners asked about staffing line items, vacant positions and safety-coordinator funding. Furlan said the proposed budget includes two vacancies carried from prior years (a deputy administrator position and an administrative assistant) and a planned safety coordinator position that is not yet filled. He said many field staff have at least OSHA-10 training and the commission uses a third-party O&M contractor for plant operations and inspections.

After discussion the commission voted to approve the FY2026 budget as presented and to approve the proposed rates sheet (the commission approved the set of proposed rates as a package rather than voting line-by-line). The commission chair and members voted aye; the budget and the rate proposal will be transmitted to the mayor’s office and then the city council. Furlan reminded commissioners that city council action is required within 45 days and that a separate ordinance action will be needed if the council adopts the rate change.

The meeting record shows commissioners also approved routine items earlier in the agenda (minutes and procedural motions). The agenda and staff backup materials, the administrator said, will be transmitted to council staff as required by city procedures.

Looking ahead, Furlan said retained earnings from FY24 would be left in the stabilization account and could be used for pay-as-you-go capital projects in coming years instead of bonding.

The commission approved the FY2026 budget and the proposed rates at the Feb. 26 meeting; both now move to the city budget process for final action by the mayor and city council.