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Public Works outlines FY27 $194.6M expenses, proposes rate increases for water, stormwater and solid waste
Summary
Public Works presented an FY27 budget with $194.6 million in proposed expenses and $225.2 million in revenues, asked for seven new positions, and proposed increases to stormwater ERU fees, water volumetric rates and solid‑waste charges; council asked for follow‑up on cardboard recycling, stormwater credits and landfill timing.
Public Works Director Ray walked the council through a FY27 public works budget designed to maintain service levels and fund a large capital program. He reported proposed FY27 expenses of about $194.6 million and projected revenues of $225.2 million, with capital representing a significant portion ($167 million) of the expenses.
The presentation included proposed rate adjustments: stormwater ERU would increase from $8.81 to $9.96 per ERU per month (about $1.15/month residential increase), residential solid‑waste 96‑gallon container rate up by $1.25, commercial solid‑waste rates up roughly 7% and a proposed 10.4% increase to landfill fees. On water, previously approved two‑year increases remain in place and staff cited a roughly 4.1% volumetric change for water and a 2.3% fixed charge increase that net to an average 2% residential impact given typical usage patterns.
Ray also summarized major capital items including continued West End water project construction and a proposed new front‑load commercial truck ($500,000) for solid waste, and said public works is asking for seven net new positions tied to growth and operations at the new West End Water Treatment Plant.
Council questioned timing and approach for specific programs: staff said options for the cardboard recycling program will be returned (three possible approaches), and that stormwater credits for on‑site commercial systems remain under study with the possibility of committee work sessions. On landfill timing, staff said the new cell was moved up approximately one year after a site survey and compaction analysis.
Why it matters: rate and fee changes directly affect residents and businesses; the budget also funds infrastructure projects (water plant, stormwater, pavement preservation) that have long‑term cost and service implications.
What’s next: public works will return with cardboard program options, further analysis of stormwater credit options and additional details on wholesale and commercial rates in the coming weeks.
