Dawson City Council approves Ordinance 327 revising utility connection and use rates

Dawson City Council voted Dec. 17 to approve Ordinance 327, which amends the city's utility connection and use rates. The motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Councilman JT Schacherer and seconded by Councilman Charlie Prestholdt; the council recorded five yes votes (Prestholdt, Jeff Olson, Vince Adelman, Jake Bothun and JT Schacherer) with Councilman Hansen absent.

The ordinance was read for a second time at the meeting and approved without amendment. Later in the meeting the council voted to publish the ordinance summary in the local newspaper; that motion was offered by Councilman Jake Bothun and seconded by Councilman JT Schacherer and passed with the same vote count among members present.

Ordinance 327 changes the city's fee structure for utility connections and the rates charged for utility usage; the council packet described the revised rates but did not list an effective date during the meeting. Mayor Randy Tensen presided over the session. No public speakers addressed the ordinance during the 10-minute public forum, although an email from resident Kellie Knudson about the utility rate increase was acknowledged by the council.

Why it matters: utility rate changes affect household and business bills in Dawson and can influence budgeting for low-income households and city operations. The council did not set an effective date on the record at the Dec. 17 meeting; residents seeking the specific new rates or effective date should consult the city clerk's office or the ordinance text once published.

The meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m.; the next council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 7 at 5:30 p.m., to be led by newly designated Mayor JT Schacherer.