Jenks Public Works Authority recommends 5% water and 8% sewer rate increases, raises stormwater fee
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Summary
The Jenks Public Works Authority (JPWA) reviewed its proposed FY2024–26 budget and voted to forward recommended rate changes to the council: a 5% increase in water rates, an 8% increase in sewer charges and a per-meter stormwater fee change from $6.00 to $6.50.
Jenks — The Jenks Public Works Authority on Monday recommended a package of rate and budget changes that include a proposed 5% increase in water rates and an 8% increase in sewer charges, to be considered by the full council as part of the FY2024–26 biannual budget.
Authority staff told members that the water and sewer revenue assumptions are driven by water and sewer sales, industrial water sales and stormwater fees. The authority is carrying debt associated with wastewater treatment plant improvements — roughly $13 million issued to date — and said planned capital work (lift stations, force mains and plant upgrades) will be funded through system revenues and borrowing.
Key proposals and context - Water: staff recommended a 5% increase in water rates to support ongoing operations and capital requirements. - Sewer: staff recommended an 8% increase in sewer charges; presenters said sewer rates remain comparatively low versus neighboring cities. - Stormwater fee: staff proposed increasing the stormwater charge from $6.00 per meter to $6.50 per meter (an increase of roughly 8.3% in dollar terms). - Industrial water sales: the authority said sales to Green Country Energy are budgeted with a roughly 25% markup. - Personnel and transfers: the proposed budget includes a roughly 6% pay increase across personnel costs and modest changes to interfund transfers (around 5%).
Staff stressed that proposed rate increases are designed to sustain long-term investment and service levels. One member said the proposed numbers seemed reasonable given regional comparisons and prior investments to expand wastewater capacity.
Vote The JPWA voted to recommend the proposed budget and rate changes to the full council. Vote on the recommendation: John Brown, yes; Kevin Short, yes; Mayor Box, yes.
Ending The recommended rate changes will be included in the city’s budget documents and presented at the scheduled public budget hearing for final council action.
