Hutchinson council adopts new water, sewer rates and authorizes bonds, temporary notes for water projects

The Hutchinson City Council on Oct. 21 unanimously approved updated water and wastewater rates, authorized the issuance of general obligation bonds to pay for water system improvements and gave staff authority to proceed with public sale of bonds and temporary notes to preserve flexibility for planned projects, including possible purchase of local water rights.

The action follows a lengthy presentation by David Gwynn, Hutchinson utilities director, and consultants from HDR who said the city must raise rates to fund an expanded capital improvement program aimed at aging mains, valves, and major wastewater plant work. Josiah Close of HDR described a 10‑year capital plan that included about $30 million proposed for water main replacement and $36 million for sewer line and wastewater plant improvements, with an immediate State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan application for the treatment plant. The council approved the rate ordinance to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Why it matters: city staff said the current approach of “run to fail” on underground infrastructure is not sustainable. The rate changes and bond authority are designed to increase pay‑as‑you‑go capital funding, reduce long‑term borrowing costs, and qualify Hutchinson for certain grant programs…