Moses Lake consultant recommends 5% annual water rate increases, options to realign tiers and meter charges

Moses Lake City officials heard a detailed water rate study presentation on funding needs, proposed rate increases and several rate‑design options at a city study session that the FCS Group presented on behalf of the city.

Consultant Chase Bozette of FCS Group told the council that the study covers 2025–2030 and that the revenue requirement work shows 5% annual rate increases as the baseline. "As a result of this, we're looking at 5% rate increases; the first one in 2025 was already adopted and moving forward with those 5 percents annually," Bozette said. The study projects the water utility needs to maintain reserve targets (90 days of operating expenses plus 1% of assets) and to fund roughly $50.1 million in capital projects over the 2025–2030 planning period.

Why it matters: city staff and the consultant said the increases are intended to keep the utility self‑supporting while smoothing major capital needs that include mains, pressure‑zone work and reservoir and well projects. The study also models bonding in 2027 to help pay for a wave of projects in that year; consultants said the city would issue about $12.5 million in revenue bonds under the central scenario, producing roughly $1.1 million in annual debt service assuming a 20‑year repayment.

Key findings and recommendations - Revenue and reserves: Bozette said the water…