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Lake Benton council approves $0.15 water-rate increase; residents to see $3.65 per 1,000 gallons on August bills
Summary
The Lake Benton City Council on May 4 approved a $0.15 per 1,000-gallon increase in the municipal water rate — from $3.50 to $3.65 — effective July 1, 2026, following a rate change by the Lincoln‑Pipestone Rural Water System.
The Lake Benton City Council voted May 4 to raise the city’s water rate by $0.15 per 1,000 gallons, increasing the municipal rate from $3.50 to $3.65 per 1,000 gallons effective July 1, 2026. Administrator/Clerk Eileen Christensen told the council the change reflects a $0.15 increase approved by the Lincoln‑Pipestone Rural Water System Board of Commissioners.
The council approved the increase in a motion by Trustee Jon Olson, seconded by Trustee Rosie DeZeeuw; the motion carried. The raised rate will first appear on residents’ August utility billings, per the administration’s schedule.
Why it matters: the city historically passes through wholesale water-rate changes from Lincoln‑Pipestone Rural Water System to municipal customers rather than subsidizing the difference from general revenues. For an average household, the increase will raise the per‑1,000‑gallon charge by $0.15; the council did not provide an estimate of average monthly bill impacts.
What the council heard and did: Eileen Christensen reported the board action by Lincoln‑Pipestone and recommended the adjustment to Lake Benton’s rate schedule. Trustee Jon Olson made the motion to implement the pass‑through increase; Trustee Rosie DeZeeuw seconded. No member requested an alternate phase‑in or subsidy.
Next steps: The rate change becomes effective July 1, 2026 and will appear on August utility statements. The council did not schedule further hearings on the matter at the May 4 meeting.
