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Smithville staff propose 15% water and sewer rate increase as large CIP projects loom
Summary
City staff told the Board of Aldermen the combined water and wastewater fund faces large capital projects and recommended a 15% rate increase in 2025 alongside cash‑flow scenarios that include a COP issuance and consideration of privatization. Staff cited a $1.5 million federal earmark and multiple high‑cost projects driving the request.
City staff presented a multi‑year plan for the combined water and wastewater fund and proposed a 15% rate increase for 2025 to cover planned capital improvements and rising operating costs. The work‑session presentation laid out a five‑year capital improvement program (CIP), several immediate lift‑station projects and cash‑flow scenarios that would use a certificate of participation (COP) issuance if needed.
Director/staff presenter (speaker 7) identified key CIP items for 2025, including the Maple Avenue and river crossing (noted as 50% of that expenditure placed in impact fees) and the Hundred and 40 Fourth Street lift station, for which staff said there is a $1,500,000 federal earmark. "We do have federal earmark money of 1,500,000.0," the presenter said, and listed a 2025 net projected CIP for the combined fund of roughly $5,100,000. Looking farther ahead, staff showed…
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