Committee hears staff presentation on 2025–2030 utility rate adjustment; asks for options to limit 2025 increase to 10%

City staff presented Agenda Bill 25-003 — a draft ordinance to change the municipal code governing water, sewer and stormwater rates for 2025–2030 — during the Parks and Public Works Committee meeting on Jan. 7.

The proposed rate package would raise combined residential utility charges primarily to cover capital projects and related debt service; staff’s workbook shows a proposed 12.11% combined increase for 2025 and a notably larger 18% first‑year jump in the sewer rate tied to upcoming capital work. Committee members asked staff to return with options that would limit the 2025 combined increase to 10% or less and to provide multiple scenarios and supporting analyses before the ordinance moves to full council.

Why it matters: the increases would affect monthly bills for residential, multifamily and commercial customers. Committee members said the single largest near-term increase in 2025 could be difficult for ratepayers and asked staff to identify options to soften the immediate impact while still funding required projects and regulatory obligations.

Staff presentation and technical details Dylan, a staff member, summarized the ordinance format and how to read the rate tables, noting underlines indicate additions and strikethroughs removals in the draft municipal code language. He said the staff package includes (a) an "average residential" illustrative bill…