Wagoner council rejects consultant’s modest utility rate plan after debate over contracts and impact on residents

A consultant recommended modest, multi‑year increases for Wagoner’s water, wastewater and electric utilities on Dec. 2, but the City of Wagoner council voted to deny formal adoption of the proposed rate resolutions pending further review.

Utility Financial Solutions LLC presented a three‑year plan that would have raised water rates in a phased approach (an initial example 5% adjustment was shown), wastewater rates by roughly 2.9% and electric rates by roughly 2.9% annually. The firm’s analysis projected those changes would stabilize operating results, protect cash reserves and help meet debt coverage requirements as the city faces higher operating costs and a large, progressive repayment schedule tied to its water‑plant debt.

The study’s lead presenter, Don Lund, vice president of Utility Financial Solutions, told the council the recommended increases were intended to avoid larger, later “rate shock” while moving each utility toward minimal financial targets. "Your average customer would see with a 5% rate increase about a $2 increase in their bill," Lund said, illustrating the consultant’s estimate of the impact on a household using 6,000…