Truman public works presents proposed utility rate increases; staff urges outreach to affected customers

Brent Brown, Truman’s Public Works Superintendent, presented the city’s proposed 2026 utility budgets at the Dec. 1 council meeting and said the changes are intended to cover rising repair, maintenance and capital costs. The proposed wastewater rate increase is 3% and the proposed water increase is 5%; electric rates are proposed to rise by an average of 3% through higher base (fixed) charges while the per‑kilowatt‑hour usage charge would remain unchanged.

Brown told the council that repair and maintenance costs are a main driver of the higher water rates and that planned capital work—including transformer upgrades and an overhead conversion—contributed to the need for additional revenue. He said staff expect large demand (high‑usage) electric customers may see lower bills under the new structure while smaller commercial customers could face higher bills, and that staff want opportunities to meet with affected customers to explain changes and explore demand‑reduction options.

Council members discussed equipment and capital needs raised by Public Works, including the possible purchase of a plow/trencher. Council also reviewed an estimate for flashing stop signs near the school—$1,800 per sign, with three signs needed—but took no action on that traffic‑safety item at this meeting.

The rate changes were presented for council review; no final rate ordinances were adopted on Dec. 1. The council will consider formal adoption in a later meeting after further staff outreach and follow‑up.