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Board hears water/sewer rate adjustments and multi‑million dollar projects
Summary
Staff told the board water sales are projected to rise 5% and sewer charges 2%; enterprise fund revenue is budgeted at about $19.66 million and staff outlined several capital projects including SCADA (ARPA funded), a reallocation study with an estimated local share of ~$400,000, and a potential Sanford Knob tank estimated at $6–6.8 million.
At the April 13 budget workshop, city staff reviewed the enterprise (water and sewer) fund and projected rate changes and capital needs. Staff said metered water sales are budgeted to increase by about 5% and sewer service charges by about 2% for the coming fiscal year, driving a total enterprise fund revenue projection of approximately $19,660,550.
Staff walked the board through operating and capital items: water treatment plant operating expenses were budgeted at $4,292,749 and sewer maintenance at about $6,804,643. The presentation identified a $150,000 fire‑flow study, a $130,000 coating treatment, intake inspection and cleaning for $10,000, and an anticipated write‑off item to be brought before the board (staff estimated roughly $140,000).
On capital, staff said the SCADA upgrade — funded by ARPA — is nearly complete and expected to finish in May. A reallocation and seasonal storage study related to Jay Percy Priest lake may cost the city roughly $400,000 for its share. Staff also flagged a previously contracted 24‑inch waterline (Mason Road to Sanders Tank) that is on hold while higher‑priority projects are advanced, and said the Sanford Knob additional storage tank is a major upcoming expense estimated in the $6.0–6.8 million range including engineering.
Staff warned the city must consider regional water entitlement constraints: the presenter said current permitted withdrawal from the lake is about 6.5 million gallons per day and that exceeding that amount would risk violating the city’s contract with the Corps of Engineers. The presentation included next steps and a request for the board to provide guidance on prioritizing projects and on how to phase bond requests to complete projects not covered by the current bond.
The board asked for clarifying details and for staff to return with revised cash‑flow and project timing information at the next workshop.
