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Sylvan Lake adopts $5.98 million budget, approves about 21% water and sewer rate hikes
Summary
The City Council adopted a $5,977,886 budget for 2025–2026, set millage at 16.91 mills (0.4159 mills lower than last year) and approved a $324.12 annual trash assessment; water and sewer rates will rise roughly 21% effective on bills due in August 2025.
Sylvan Lake City Council on May 14 adopted the 2025–2026 budget totaling $5,977,886 and set the city's millage at 16.91 mills. City Manager Martin told the council the adopted millage is 0.4159 mills lower than the previous year and the city projects revenue to increase about 2.9% for the coming fiscal year.
The council approved several budget-related resolutions during the meeting. A resolution establishing the annual fee for solid waste, recycling, yard waste and leaves was approved setting the special assessment at $324.12 per residential unit on the 2025 winter tax roll. The council voted unanimously to certify five delinquent water and sewer accounts and two long-outstanding receivables to the 2025 summer tax roll if they are not paid before June 1, 2025.
Martin outlined key drivers behind higher utility bills, saying the city contracts with WRC for operations and maintenance and purchases water through the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA); sewage treatment costs are charged through Pontiac. "These costs have increased significantly," Martin said, and he summarized that water and sewer rates will increase by approximately 21%, with the new rates to take effect on the bill due in August 2025.
When asked whether the increase reflected aging infrastructure, Martin said it was part of the reason and emphasized rising external costs from partner agencies. Mayor Cowper asked if another 20% increase should be expected next year; Martin responded, "We are not expecting it." He also stressed the importance of capital outlay planning and said staff are exploring charter amendment options to give the city more flexibility on millage ballot structure in the future.
The council adopted the millage rate resolution as presented, and the appropriations resolution formally set the 2025–2026 budget standards. Councilmembers voted unanimously on those measures.
The resolutions and votes recorded at the meeting are official actions of the council. The city manager noted that OPEB and pension funds are reported at 100% funding in the materials presented to the council. The budget documents and adopted rates will guide billing and tax assessments for the coming year.
