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Sulphur council reviews proposed water, sewer and trash increases as budget is introduced
Summary
The Sulphur City Council heard a detailed presentation of proposed utility rate increases and the draft fiscal 2025–26 budget, with administration and residents debating the need for a rate study, grant conditions tied to a $5 million state award and the city's meter program.
The Sulphur City Council on Monday introduced ordinances that would raise water, sewer, garbage and a capital recovery fee and unveiled the proposed fiscal 2025-26 budget, prompting extended public comment and questions about grant conditions and meter installation timelines.
Finance director Jennifer Thorne told the council the proposed utility rate increases are based on an annual review of operations, capital projects and inflation, and are intended to keep the water and wastewater system solvent while meeting grant requirements. "If the rate increase of 7.5% is not approved," Thorne said in reference to a prior rate study, "the city will be obligated to repay what has already been received and forego the remaining 3 plus million dollars." She said the city has received $1,800,000 of the $5,000,000 grant so far and that not implementing study results could jeopardize current and future funding from the Office of Community Development.
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