Independence adopts 2026 fee schedule, approves 3% sewer charge increase and 10-year capital review

The Independence City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2026-01 on Jan. 6, 2026, approving the city’s 2026 fee schedule and a recommended 3% increase in the sewer quarterly access and availability charges to cover inflationary pressure and capital needs. City Administrator Kaltsas presented the proposal and described a staff effort to evaluate all 34 sewer lift stations — pumps, panels and physical structures — as part of developing a 10‑year capital plan to be brought to the council in the first half of 2026.

The increase and fee schedule were approved by motion (mover: Councilmember McCoy; seconder: Councilmember Fisher) and passed unanimously with four ayes (Spencer, Fisher, McCoy, Grotting), Betts absent. The ordinance is recorded in the minutes as Ordinance No. 2026‑01.

Kaltsas told the council that the sewer fund historically had been managed on a break‑even basis that included depreciation but lacked an adequate capital-replacement budget. The planned 10‑year capital plan, he said, is intended to move the city from reactive repairs toward scheduled replacement and better financial planning.

The council did not specify a timeline for implementing individual project expenditures; staff said the capital plan will include priorities and estimated costs when it is presented. The ordinance vote followed routine consent and organization business earlier in the meeting.