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Council gives first readings to 5% water and wastewater rate increases
Summary
Finance staff presented first readings of ordinances to raise water and wastewater rates by 5%; proposed changes include a water base rate increase from $12.63 to $13.26 and wastewater base from $16.97 to $17.82. These were approved as first readings, not final adoptions.
The Dell Rapids City Council held the first readings of two ordinances that would raise municipal water and wastewater rates by 5%. Finance staff detailed proposed rate changes and urged the increases as necessary to cover rising operating costs.
For water (ordinance No. 939), staff proposed increasing the monthly base rate from $12.63 to $13.26 and the per-1,000-gallon charge for the first 50,000 gallons from $4.16 to $4.37; the higher tier for usage above 50,000 gallons would rise from $6.87 to $7.24. Staff calculated that a 5,000-gallon residential customer would see roughly a $1.68 monthly increase for the water portion.
For wastewater (ordinance No. 940), staff proposed raising the base sewer rate from $16.97 to $17.82 and the per-1,000-gallon rate from $5.11 to $5.37; the total sewer charges for a 5,000-gallon user would move from about $73.57 to $75.72 under the proposal.
The finance presenter framed the changes as modest, routine adjustments to keep pace with inflation and operational needs: “It is necessary or we are going to end up in the red” if rates do not keep pace with costs, the finance presenter said. Council members approved both measures as first readings by voice vote; final adoption requires subsequent readings as required by ordinance procedures.
