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Shenandoah council approves utility rate increase to rebuild reserves
Summary
The Shenandoah City Council voted Oct. 22 to adopt Option B from a five-year rate study, raising base water/sewer charges and adding a per-tier increase to restore reserves and cover projected expenses. The change will add roughly $3.80/month for a 3,000-gallon household and about $9.30 for a 7,000-gallon user.
The Shenandoah City Council voted Oct. 22 to raise water and sewer rates after a city presentation and consultant review of a five-year rate study. City staff recommended Option B — a base-rate increase plus an additional $0.50 on each usage tier — to ensure the utility fund covers projected expenses and to rebuild the water/sewer emergency reserve.
City staff said the recommended changes followed work with Blau Engineering to project five years of operating costs and revenues and to avoid depleting the city’s reserves. Staff noted the potential cost of an unplanned well failure can exceed $1 million and argued modest monthly increases will reduce the need to borrow for emergency repairs.
Council discussion flagged customer impacts and regional comparisons: one councilor noted an average 3,000-gallon household would pay about $3.80 more per month under Option B, and a 7,000-gallon user would see roughly a $9.30 increase. Staff also said Shenandoah’s rates remain competitive within Montgomery County.
Councilman Robinson moved to approve Option B; a second was received and the motion carried by voice vote.
The change takes effect as set by ordinance and will be reflected in customer bills per staff implementation timelines.
