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Altoona council adopts sewer increase and four years of water rate hikes tied to SRF loan
Summary
The City of Altoona approved a 5.5% increase to wastewater rates and set water rate increases of 10.5% annually for the next four years to meet State Revolving Fund borrowing requirements, with both measures passing by roll call vote.
The Altoona City Council on Dec. 16 approved adjustments to utility rates intended to shore up sewer and water system finances.
Finance Director Andy Lent told the council that PFM's annual cash‑flow analyses support a 5.5 percent increase in wastewater service charges. "PFM has recommended an increase of 5.5 percent in rates," Lent said during the public hearing, which drew no public comment. The ordinance amending Chapter 98, Section 10 (Wastewater Service Charges‑Rates) passed on unanimous roll call votes through readings and for publication.
Lent also described the proposed water‑rate schedule the city must set to qualify for State Revolving Fund (SRF) financing for Water Treatment Plant 4 and related wells and mains. "The increase will be 10.5 percent for each of the next four years," Lent said; the multi‑year schedule is an SRF program requirement. The council approved the ordinance amending Chapter 92, Section 02 (Water Service Charges‑Rates) by unanimous roll call votes across readings and publication.
Why it matters: The water increases are structured to match borrowing the city plans to undertake through the SRF program for major infrastructure work; the wastewater increase is aimed at maintaining sanitary sewer cashflow. City officials described the adjustments as routine recommendations following consultant review.
What passed: Ordinances to amend the City Code for wastewater and water service charges. All formal roll call votes recorded in the meeting minutes indicate unanimous passage of the ordinance readings and publishing actions.
Next steps: With ordinances approved and the SRF requirement met by setting four years of water rates, the city can proceed with SRF borrowing and project procurement for Water Treatment Plant 4. The meeting record shows no immediate appeals or postponements related to the rate actions.
