Denton trustees approve stepped water and sewer rate increases

The Village of Denton Board of Trustees on April 6 approved ordinances that raise water and sewer rates beginning May 1, 2026, adopting stepped increases through April 2029.

Randy Hellbusch of the Nebraska Rural Water Association presented a rate study to the board, reporting the sewer system serves 94 users and saying the existing flat sewer rate of $47 would need to rise to roughly $70 to cover testing, wages, electricity and treatment maintenance costs. Hellbusch recommended the village update its rate study every two years.

Following that presentation, trustees voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 26-2-1 (water rates) and Ordinance 26-2-2 (sewer rates) after reading each by title and waiving the state three-reading requirement. Ordinance 26-2-1 sets the water monthly service charge at $85 plus $12 per 1,000 gallons for May 1, 2026–April 30, 2027, rising to $92 plus $13 per 1,000 gallons in 2027–28 and $103 plus $14 per 1,000 gallons in 2028–29. Ordinance 26-2-2 establishes monthly sewer charges of $55 for 2026–27, $63 for 2027–28, and $71 for 2028–29.

Trustee Amanda Fangmeier moved to read Ordinance 26-2-1 by title and approve the first reading; Trustee Doug Rosekrans seconded. The board then voted unanimously to waive additional statutory readings and passed the measure. The same procedure and unanimous outcome applied to the sewer ordinance.

Board members and the presenter emphasized that the increases are intended to align rates with the actual costs of operating Denton’s utility systems, which include laboratory testing, employee wages, electricity and maintenance fees. Hellbusch noted Denton is among the smaller Nebraska communities operating its own water treatment plant, which affects per-customer costs.

The board did not adopt alternate rate schedules at the meeting; Hellbusch’s recommendation to review rates biennially was noted as guidance for future budgeting.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 26-2-1 (water rates): approved unanimously after first reading and waiver of further readings. (SEG 002–SEG 003) - Ordinance 26-2-2 (sewer rates): approved unanimously after first reading and waiver of further readings. (SEG 002–SEG 004) - Conditional Use Permit, 7105 Cass Ave (fireworks stand, 2026): approved unanimously. (SEG 002) - Purchase of two Criterion refrigerators from Menards for the community center: approved unanimously. (SEG 004) - Claims and payroll (Claims List A $10,730.00; Claims List B $4,207.83; March payroll $14,589.04): approved unanimously. (SEG 004–SEG 005)

Other business at the April meeting included public comments from a legislative candidate and community event announcements; residents raised park maintenance concerns and asked about the timeline and number of installed remote-read water meters. Resident Craig Vanslyke asked specifically how many remote meters have been installed and when additional meters will be ordered. Staff member Ross Blackledge said the village will inspect a tree noted by residents and will follow up with the street-striping contractor about paint wear.

The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.; Clerk Charlotte Te Brink certified the minutes.