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New Prague staff preview enterprise budgets; utilities propose modest rate increases
Summary
City staff presented enterprise fund budgets for golf, sanitary/storm, water, electric and ambulance funds. Staff proposed a 3.5% sanitary rate increase and a 4% storm increase, water adjustments (50¢ per 1,000 gallons and $2 monthly base), and a 2% electric increase plus $1 base; formal approvals will occur at the December meeting.
City staff reviewed enterprise fund budgets at the Nov. 18 meeting and indicated formal approval of budgets will take place at the Dec. 2 Truth-in-Taxation meeting. Presenters from golf operations, utilities and public works highlighted operational outcomes and capital needs.
Kurt Ruling, who manages the New Prague Golf Club under contract, reported a strong season: membership above 400, solid revenue and cash reserves. He proposed capital-equipment purchases and described using $220,000 of cash reserves plus a $100,000 five-year equipment certificate to spread costs over five years.
Public Works discussed staffing challenges at the wastewater treatment plant, noting several departures and recent hires; the city will become an MS4 municipal stormwater permittee in 2026, which will increase operational and documentation requirements. Director Matt proposed a 3.5% wastewater rate increase and a 4% stormwater increase to cover chemicals, utilities, depreciation and forthcoming MS4 compliance costs.
Utilities staff summarized water-system work including lead-service-line inventory (about 100 homeowner-owned lines remain) and a multi-year plan to replace lines; recommended water-rate adjustments include an increase of 50¢ per 1,000 gallons and a $2 monthly base charge. Electric staff reported ongoing undergrounding and other CIP work and recommended a 2% rate increase plus a $1 base-fee increase to cover distribution and maintenance costs. The ambulance fund is projected to add roughly $3,000 to reserves based on contract revenue from North Memorial.
No enterprise funds were approved at the meeting; staff said budgets and rate proposals will be presented again on Dec. 2 for public comment and final action.
