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Utilities presentation: stormwater drives sewer costs; Reftellus rate study due this fall
Summary
City utility leaders told the council stormwater is the major driver of water-pollution control costs, that only a small share of needed CIP is currently funded, and that a Reftellus rate study is about halfway complete with results expected in the fall to inform equitable rate design and potential stormwater funding options.
City utility leadership described structural pressures in Newport's water and water-pollution control budgets, identifying stormwater management and deferred capital as the major long-term drivers.
Officials said data show a small portion of sewer-and-stormwater capital needs are currently funded (roughly 10% in staff discussion) and that top customers account for a disproportionate share of revenue. The administration said the Raftellus/Reftellus rate study is about 50% complete and that staff expect draft rate-scenario options with public involvement in time for next year's budget cycle, with a likely public rollout in October or November.
Utility staff emphasized the city's combined legacy systems and that stormwater creates infrastructure burdens that differ from consumption-based water charging. Officials said one path under study is creating a dedicated stormwater funding structure (for example a stormwater utility or changing how stormwater costs are allocated) because stormwater costs are driven by impervious area and infrastructure needs, not just per-household water consumption.
Rob (utility director) explained that some historic cross-subsidies were corrected in recent rate cases and that the city is pursuing multi-benefit capital projects, grant funding, and regional partnerships. The discussion included the point that a fully funded stormwater program to address the city's needs could be on the order of $9–10 million annually in a long-term, sustainable model, and that the immediate work includes getting projects shovel-ready and pursuing grants.
Why it matters: Newport faces repeated flooding across neighborhoods and a legacy combined sewer/stormwater system that requires capital investment and a sustainable revenue approach. The rate study will inform how to distribute costs between ratepayers and property-tax/other funding.
What is not decided: The council did not adopt changes to rate structure or a stormwater district; staff will return with rate-study scenarios and public engagement.
Ending note: Staff said they will continue the rate study work and present options this fall; councilors urged a more aggressive approach to prioritize resiliency projects.
