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Waukee council approves modest utility rate adjustments and solid-waste changes
Summary
Council approved second readings of ordinances adjusting water and sewer rates and a phased stormwater increase, and adopted solid-waste rate adjustments tied to rising landfill tipping fees; staff said changes reflect rate studies and a 3-year phase-in for stormwater.
The Waukee City Council approved a slate of utility rate adjustments on second reading.
Staff requested and the council approved a 1% increase to the water base charge and per‑1,000‑gallon rate (above a 1,000‑gallon minimum). The council also approved a 1.5% increase to sanitary sewer rates; staff said the sewer increase takes effect July 1, 2026.
For stormwater, staff presented a multi-year recommendation following a rate‑study analysis and proposed a year‑one adjustment as part of a three‑year phase‑in tied to operation, maintenance and capital improvement needs; council approved the second reading. The exact figure for the stormwater year‑one increase was presented in staff materials on the screen and referenced in the meeting; staff characterized this as year one of three based on a 10‑year CIP review.
Solid‑waste rates were also adjusted. Staff said the single‑family residential charge increased (driven in part by a pass‑through rise in landfill tipping fees at Metro Waste near Perry, Iowa), producing an increase of roughly 18.5% in that line item; multifamily unit charges were reduced (staff noted an approximately 60% reduction for that customer class following the rate review). Staff emphasized these are phased and the changes result from contract pass‑throughs and an enterprise fund analysis.
Staff recommended the ordinances following prior workshops and public budget discussions; the council voted to approve all second readings by roll call. Staff said questions or more detailed billing examples are available through the city clerk or utility billing staff.
