Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wastewater Rates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bisbee council adopts six-year wastewater rate increase to fund plant upgrades
Summary
The council unanimously adopted Resolution R-26-13 to raise wastewater rates over six years to fund upgrades at the 22+-year-old treatment plant; the increase will first appear on August bills for July and includes lower rates for qualifying low-income customers.
Bisbee’s Mayor and Council voted unanimously May 19 to approve Resolution R-26-13, adopting increases to wastewater rates for a six-year period to fund needed upgrades and maintenance. Finance Director Keri Bagley presented the proposal and said the increase will be reflected in the August billing for July.
Mayor Ken Budge said the council delayed previous increases during the pandemic and that the city is now behind on funding needed improvements for a plant that has been in service for more than 22 years. “When we did the original study, we were supposed to raise rates, but then the pandemic hit,” Budge said, explaining why the city must act now to keep the plant viable.
No members of the public spoke for or against the resolution during the hearing. Councilmember Pete Skinner moved to adopt the resolution, and Councilmember Lori Reynolds seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Bagley noted the rate structure includes two lower tiers for qualifying low-income customers and encouraged residents who believe they may qualify to consult staff about available assistance.
The resolution authorizes rate changes designed to align revenues with capital and operating needs over the coming years; staff told the council the changes are necessary to match grant funding and to maintain the plant’s capacity for growth. The council’s approval concludes the public hearing and allows staff to implement billing changes beginning with the August cycle.
