The Virginia City Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved its 2026 budget on Dec. 22, agreeing to keep customer rates steady while tapping roughly $5,000,000 in LEA funds to support the final stage of conversion loans.

Commissioners voted to adopt the budget after a committee recap from staff highlighted key assumptions. "No rate increases and approximately $5,000,000 of LEA funds to support the projected loans going out for the last stage of conversions and a, 2,900,000, steam loss to cash flow essentially," staff summarized during the meeting. The commission moved and carried the budget by unanimous voice vote.

Why it matters: the budget decision preserves existing rates for customers while covering a forecasted shortfall tied to steam-district operations. The staff recap said the steam-related shortfall—reported at about $2,900,000—will be managed through LEA funds and internal cash-flow planning.

Supporting details: the committee recap presented the budget as a consensus package with no proposed rate increases. Commissioners voiced brief discussion but did not propose rate changes. The meeting record shows the commission’s routine procedural approval following the committee of the whole’s recommendation.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the adopted budgetary plan and the commission will monitor cash flow and project implementation in 2026. No additional public hearing or formal second reading was recorded during the meeting.