Chehalis council revisits utility rate plan; public hearing continued to Feb. 10

Chehalis City Council members heard a consultant presentation and staff briefing on Jan. 27 on proposed utility rate increases and updated capital facility charges for water, wastewater and stormwater, then agreed to continue the public hearing to Feb. 10 for further review.

The consultant, Chris Gonzales of FCS Group, told the council the multiyear financial plan is intended to avoid sudden, large increases by phasing revenue needs tied to capital projects and debt service. “Our goal in setting rates is to cover to have the rate increases be as moderate and stable over time as possible,” Gonzales said during his presentation.

The rate study lays out a five‑year plan (2025–2029) to fund operating costs, capital projects and likely borrowing. The consultant described a roughly $36 million water capital program through 2029, including distribution system work, source investments and a water‑rights acquisition. Gonzales said projected grants and cash resources would cover about a quarter of water capital needs, with the remainder funded by loans and debt service that would add roughly $1.9 million per year in debt service by 2029.

Under the recommended schedule, monthly residential bills would change as follows (selected figures presented at the meeting): wastewater…