Greenfield council approves sewer rate study, selects worst‑case funding option and begins Proposition 218 process

The Greenfield City Council on Oct. 14 adopted a sewer utility rate study, selected the study’s Option 2 (no state grant funding) and directed staff to proceed with the Proposition 218 process required to raise sewer utility rates.

City project manager Tony Nissich and consultant Anthony Ylowski presented the study, telling the council the city’s wastewater treatment plant is at “critical” condition and that recent changes in state funding eligibility mean Greenfield can no longer rely on full grant coverage. The study estimates a full, single‑phase replacement of the plant at about $111,000,000 and lays out revenue options to repay debt and build reserves.

Under the option the council approved, staff recommended rate increases designed to generate sufficient revenue even if no state grant money is awarded. The consultant said the plan would require a substantial first‑year increase (the study projects an immediate increase in the first implemented year to align cash flows) and…