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East Grand Forks Water & Light Commission approves $22.08 million 2026 budget; reserves remain strong
Summary
The commission approved a proposed 2026 operations budget totaling $22,083,839.88, with roughly $20 million in reserves (about 11 months of expenses). Commissioners signaled a preference to hold electric rates steady and consider a modest water-rate increase to cover planned projects.
The East Grand Forks City Water & Light Commission approved a proposed 2026 operation and maintenance budget totaling $22,083,839.88 at its Sept. 3 meeting.
Keith, the presenter, told commissioners the proposed figures include electric expenses of about $17,000,602.79, water expenses of $3,916,222.31 and $564,824 for 2026 capital improvements. "We have approximately $20,000,000 in reserves, and so that's 11 months of our anticipated annual expenses," Keith said. "So we're sitting pretty good that way."
Commission discussion focused on rate policy and capital planning. Keith recommended keeping electric rates competitive and said staff prefers modest adjustments to water rates rather than large increases. "Maybe we do 3% on the water," he said, noting upcoming capital needs including a $600,000 lime-pond project and a future water tower that could require bonding.
The commission moved and approved the budget and the five-year capital plan as presented. The chair publicly thanked staff for their work preparing the budget.
Why it matters: the approved budget funds day-to-day utility operations and a multi-year capital plan. Staff noted strong reserves that give the utility flexibility but also flagged multi-hundred-thousand-dollar projects that will require continued planning.
Next steps: staff will implement the budget as approved; the commission indicated it will closely monitor project timelines and reserve levels as bids and bonding discussions progress.
