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Denton trustees unanimously adopt new water and sewer rates starting May 1
Summary
The Denton Village Board approved ordinances raising water and sewer fees across three fiscal years after a rate study showed current charges were insufficient; the water service charge will begin at $85/month plus $12/1,000 gallons and sewer at $55/month beginning May 1, 2026.
The Village of Denton Board of Trustees voted unanimously April 6 to adopt new water and sewer rates following a presentation on utility finances.
Randy Hellbusch of the Nebraska Rural Water Association presented a rate study that, the board was told, shows the sewer system serves 94 users and that the existing flat sewer charge “would need to increase to approximately $70” to cover operations and maintenance costs. Hellbusch identified testing, wages, electricity and treatment maintenance as primary cost drivers and recommended the Village update rate studies every two years.
Trustees approved Ordinance No. 26-2-1 to revise water rates and Ordinance No. 26-2-2 to revise sewer rates. Under the water ordinance the residential and commercial monthly service charge will be $85.00 for May 1, 2026–April 30, 2027, with usage charged at $12 per 1,000 gallons; the ordinance sets stepped increases for the next two years ($92.00 + $13/1,000 for 2027–28; $103.00 + $14/1,000 for 2028–29). The sewer ordinance establishes monthly charges of $55.00 (May 1, 2026–April 30, 2027), $63.00 (2027–28) and $71.00 (2028–29).
Trustee Amanda Fangmeier moved to read the water ordinance by title and approve the first reading; trustees then voted to waive the additional statutory readings and adopted the ordinance unanimously. The board followed the same procedure to adopt the sewer ordinance.
Board members did not record individual dissent; both ordinances passed with unanimous votes after motions by Trustee Doug Rosekrans and seconds from Trustee Fangmeier.
The ordinances specify effective dates beginning May 1, 2026. The board packet included the rate tables adopted in ordinance text. Hellbusch urged regular (every two years) updates to rate studies so charges keep pace with expenses.
The board did not set an immediate implementation plan in the discussion recorded; the ordinances themselves provide the effective periods for billing. The clerk and staff will be responsible for publishing the ordinances as required by law.
