Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
DeKalb council approves 3.5% water-rate increase to sustain capital work
Summary
Council passed an ordinance to increase water rates by 3.5%, raising a typical single-family monthly bill from $43.97 to $45.52 (about $1.55/month), citing capital needs such as SCADA upgrades and lead-service-line replacement work.
The DeKalb City Council approved on first reading (with second-reading waiver) a 3.5% increase to water service rates to help fund capital replacement and system improvements.
City Manager Bill Nicholas and Water Services staff presented the proposal and said the increase would support planned capital work including SCADA telemetry upgrades and generator backup capacity. Staff provided an example: for a single-family home the monthly bill would rise from $43.97 to $45.52, "or about a dollar 55 more per month," Nicholas said.
Nicholas told the council the city remains below the midpoint of regional peers on water rates and that recent investments (backup generators and other system upgrades) improve resiliency. Council members expressed support while recognizing the impact on residents; Alderman Larson said staff had sought savings elsewhere and looked for in-house efficiencies to minimize the burden on customers.
The ordinance passed and staff will continue bringing annual water capital budgets to council for review.
