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Council receives update on water, wastewater and solid-waste funds; rate increases to proceed
Summary
Staff reported the utility funds are in healthier condition after a prior rate correction and recommended implementing scheduled increases (water +3%, wastewater +3%, garbage +5%); council confirmed implementation and heard public comments seeking clarity on labeling and solid-waste service coverage.
City staff presented the annual status of the water, wastewater and sewer funds during the June 9 council meeting and recommended implementing the rate schedule adopted earlier: a 3% increase for water and wastewater and a 5% increase for solid waste (garbage).
Finance staff summarized that a prior rate study corrected years of undercharging and that the resulting adjustments have restored fund health. Staff noted those rates are scheduled and that the council could choose to charge less but recommended proceeding as planned; a new rate study will be brought forward near the end of the current five-year period.
A member of the public, Linda de Roer (Lincoln Hills), sought clarification about where 'garbage' appears in the published agenda; staff confirmed the agenda uses the term "solid waste" or "refuse" interchangeably. Council members emphasized the difficulty of the prior correction process, noted assistance for low-income residents was provided at the time, and reiterated that the increases fund capital repairs (including century-old pipe replacements) and operational needs.
Staff said they will return with additional percentage and dollar-amount detail if requested, and will continue to monitor the funds and present a new rate study next year.
