Beaver City council to clarify earlier water and sewer rate increase; resolution and public hearing planned

Beaver City council members agreed April 28 to clarify an omission in a February rate action and directed staff to prepare formal documentation and a public hearing to confirm that the approved percentage increases apply across all billing categories.

At the meeting, a staff member said the February vote increased culinary water and sewer rates but did not explicitly specify how those percentage increases should apply across multiple meter sizes and customer classes. "We just didn't specify," the staff member said, explaining the omission had raised concerns with utility clerks about billing and the potential for one category (for example small residential meters) to grow faster than others over time.

The example discussed at the meeting showed the sewer schedule that had been passed (20% first year, 20% second, 15%, 10%) but without clear category assignments. Council discussed whether the intent had been to apply the percentage to all categories and several members said their understanding was that it should be applied across the board.

The council asked staff (Miranda and Justin) to prepare a resolution that clarifies the 7% figure and related increases, and scheduled a public hearing/ordinance for the May 12 meeting to finalize the clarification. Council members emphasized the need for stability and clear billing instructions for utility clerks while recognizing that formal action (a resolution and ordinance with public notice) is required to make the clarification official.

No final change to rates was adopted at the April 28 meeting; the council directed staff to prepare the resolution and advertised the public hearing process.