Minnetrista council signals support for monthly water billing, asks staff for rate scenarios

Council members and staff used the work session to explore options for stabilizing the water fund as Minnetrista plans for a new treatment plant and associated debt service.

Staff briefed the council on revenue volatility from usage‑based charges and the risk that a wet season or lower consumption could leave the fund short of required reserves. The staff presentation noted that the treatment plant will begin interest payments in 2027 and the first full debt payment in 2028, so officials want to begin building a reserve now.

Council members favored moving from quarterly to monthly billing to reduce customer bill shock and to provide steadier monthly revenue flow. “Monthly billing … people can see on a monthly basis what their water usage is and they can ratchet back,” a council member said. Staff was asked to return with implementation details including whether a part‑time utility‑billing position would be needed, how quickly a switch could be made, and electronic‑billing enrollment options.

Members also asked staff to model concrete dollar examples: what typical household bills would look like under a 15% increase, a 20% increase, and different base‑fee amounts (e.g., $50, $75, $100 monthly) so council and residents can visualize impacts rather than percentages alone. Staff noted some short‑term reporting timing nuances and that recent wet‑season billing patterns mean a portion of third‑quarter charges will be collected by year end.

Council asked for a stand‑alone water mailer (or postcard) to explain rate changes, the monthly billing transition and the treatment plant’s cost to reduce confusion when bills change. No rate or billing policy was adopted at the session; staff will return with modeled scenarios, implementation costs and communication materials.