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Council delays decision on proposed water and sewer rate changes after public hearing
Summary
Finance staff presented a third-party RCAC rate study recommending phased sewer increases through 2031 and a one-time water base rate increase; public commenters raised affordability and transparency concerns and the council postponed action on ECO 26-08 until June 3 to allow further review.
Ephraim — The Ephraim City Council on May 20 heard a staff presentation on proposed water and sewer rate adjustments and unanimously voted to postpone action until its June 3 meeting to allow more financial review.
Jon Knudsen, Ephraim’s finance director, summarized a rate study completed by Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) that recommended phased sewer-rate increases through 2031 alongside a one-time adjustment to water base rates. Knudsen said the study and staff analysis were intended to help the utility achieve long-term financial sustainability while addressing capital needs.
Community Development Director Bryan Kimball compared Ephraim’s rates with neighboring county utilities, and Public Works Director Jeff Jensen outlined major near-term infrastructure needs, including replacement of aging asbestos-cement and cast-iron water lines and rehabilitation of existing water storage facilities. Staff noted the proposed rates "remain within federal affordability guidelines," according to the meeting record.
During public comment, resident Lelani Neilson urged the council to consider the impact of higher utility bills on low- and fixed-income residents in Sanpete County. David Lambert asked for additional transparency about how utility revenues and reserve funds are spent. The council did not resolve those concerns at the meeting; instead members said they wanted more time to review the financial details and implementation timeline.
Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Nordfelt moved to close the public hearing; Councilmember Anthony Beal seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. Nordfelt then moved to postpone consideration of Ordinance ECO 26-08 (amending the Ephraim City Consolidated Fee Schedule and proposed rate adjustments) to the June 3 council meeting. The motion was seconded by Beal and carried unanimously.
What happens next: The council will review additional financial information and a proposed implementation timeline at the June 3 meeting before taking a final vote on ECO 26-08. The June 3 agenda will also include staff-provided details requested by councilmembers and public commenters.
Note on sourcing: The meeting transcript does not contain verbatim quotes from staff or councilmembers; this account paraphrases presentations and public comments recorded in the official minutes and transcript.
