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Consultant Proposes Three‑Year Utility Rate Plan to Restore Reserves; Council Asked to Direct Draft Ordinance
Summary
Baker Tilly recommended a three‑phase utility rate plan (2026–28) averaging 3.51% per year (about $10/month for an average customer) to fund roughly $13.6 million in capital needs and meet bond reserve requirements; council was asked whether to direct staff to draft an implementing ordinance.
Ian Stallworth, manager at consulting firm Baker Tilly, presented a three‑phase rate plan the Columbia City Common Council on Jan. 13, 2026, asking the council to direct staff to draft an ordinance implementing the changes. Stallworth said the plan phases in increases from 2026 through 2028 that average 3.51% per year and equate to roughly $10 a month for an "average" residential user as defined in the report (4,000 gallons water/sewer usage and 1,000 kWh electric).
The plan is designed to address near‑term capital needs and to restore the utilities to required reserve levels under bond covenants. Stallworth said…
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