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Council approves sewer-rate increase to cover staffing at plant; automatic annual adjustments remain
Summary
Perry City Council adopted Ordinance 25-K to raise the sewer base from $50.50 to $52.12 (a 3.2% increase) to cover staffing costs at the wastewater plant and to preserve a required debt coverage ratio; council approved an automatic 2% annual increase thereafter and reserved the right to revisit rates if staffing offers change.
The Perry City Council on June 26 approved Ordinance 25-K raising the sewer base rate from $50.50 to $52.12, a 3.2% increase that staff said is needed to cover an anticipated plant-manager hire and other staffing costs.
Shanna explained the increase was calculated to maintain the wastewater utility's debt-coverage ratio at or near the required 1.25 level; she told the council the projection reached 1.27 with the proposed adjustment. She said a newly hired operator had already started, a manager position remains open and the council may see a future amendment if a higher-than-expected wage is required to secure a manager.
The ordinance keeps an automatic 2% annual increase in effect starting 07/01/2026; staff said they would return to council if additional revenue is required after hires are finalized.
Action and vote - Council member moved and seconded adoption of Ordinance 25-K; roll-call vote was unanimous with Young, Walker, Osler, Wright and Tueller voting "Yes." The motion carried.
Why it matters The increase is intended to stabilize the wastewater fund's finances while Perry completes recruitment for the plant manager and adds another operator. Staff noted the hire situation remains fluid and could prompt future rate action.
Next steps If staff must offer a higher wage to fill the manager position, the council was told it might be asked to revisit rates.
