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Council approves three‑year stormwater utility rate increase; residential bills to rise 50¢ per month each year
Summary
The council approved a three‑year schedule of stormwater utility rate increases that raise the residential monthly charge by 50¢ per year and increase apartment/commercial acreage rates by $1.00 per acre per year.
City staff presented a proposal to set stormwater utility increases over three years so residents and businesses could prepare for the changes. The council approved a plan that increases the residential monthly rate by 50¢ per year and raises apartment and commercial rates on an acreage formula by $1.00 per acre per year.
Travis (public works staff) explained the utility funds are restricted to stormwater expenditures and help cover emergency storm repairs and larger capital projects. He also provided a comparison chart in the packet showing Thief River Falls’ rates remain below several similar towns.
Under the approved schedule, the residential monthly rate would be $7.50 in 2026, $8.00 in 2027 and $8.50 in 2028. Apartment and commercial properties would be charged $17.50 per acre (or formula equivalent) in 2026, $18.50 per acre in 2027 and $19.50 per acre in 2028.
Councilman Preem moved to approve the three‑year increase and Councilwoman Michelle McCraw seconded. A council member clarified the increase is 50¢ per month per year (not $1); the motion was amended accordingly and approved by voice vote.
Staff cited state statute authority permitting cities to establish stormwater utilities but did not specify the statute citation during the presentation. The packet summary and comparison charts were included in council materials.
