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Council directs rapid public outreach about upcoming water‑rate increase
Summary
Council members asked staff to prepare simple, clear public information (charts and explanations) about an expected water and sewer rate increase effective Jan. 1 so residents—particularly fixed‑income households—have time to adjust; staff were asked to print material and run it in local media.
Several council members urged immediate public outreach to explain an upcoming water and sewer rate increase expected to take effect Jan. 1. Members recommended a simple chart showing current and new bills at common usage levels (for example, 4,000 gallons) and running the information multiple weeks in local media so residents can plan for higher bills.
Council members said outreach should include background on projects and fund‑balance pressures that necessitated the increase, contact information for staff (for example, Todd in utilities) and targeted outreach to vulnerable groups. One councilor suggested a public information session or committee meeting to allow questions and avoid surprise when new bills arrive.
City staff were directed to prepare the materials and run a public‑education push in the advocate and other channels in the weeks before the new rates take effect.
