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Council approves multi-year water and sewer rate increases under ordinance 723-25
Summary
Council approved a schedule of water and sewer rate increases tied to wholesale supplier hikes, citing a 15.1% wholesale increase this year and multi-year increases recommended to preserve the utility fund and fund capital projects; a $1 million state grant for sewer repairs was noted.
After a staff presentation the All Good City Council voted to proceed with the city's proposed water and sewer rate schedule under ordinance 723-25.
Staff (introduced during the meeting as Mr. Boren) said wholesale suppliers are raising their charges: "This year, Cook will pass a 15.1% increase," and described recommended city rate changes to cover those costs and fund capital work. Staff recommended a 13% increase in the first year, about 12.5% in the second, and smaller increases in later years to stabilize the enterprise fund. The presentation said the city operates water and sewer as an enterprise fund that must self-fund operating and capital costs.
The presentation also noted a roughly $1 million state grant to pay for sewer repairs to reduce infiltration (storm water entering the sewer system), plans to expand a mountain storage tank and pumps, possible Main Street water line replacement, and consideration of automated meter infrastructure (AMI) to detect leaks.
Resident Dan Taylor asked whether Cookville charges only for water usage or also bills for repairs; staff responded that Cookville charges per thousand gallons and is raising rates in part to recoup costs for plant renovations. Staff said nonrevenue water (loss from leaks, flushing and other uses) is measured at roughly 24%, with higher estimates depending on accounting, and said projects aim to reduce that loss.
The council took a voice vote on ordinance 723-25; members responded "aye" and no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript. The record indicates council moved forward with the rate schedule as discussed.
