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Conrad council adopts resolutions of intent to raise solid-waste and sewer rates
Summary
On Aug. 19 the Conrad City Council adopted resolutions of intent to raise solid-waste charges by 83% and sewer charges by 43%; both measures passed 3–1, with Alderman Amber Schoenrock recorded as the lone no vote. The council said the increases cover depreciation, capital planning and equipment needs and noted further public process and budget steps ahead.
The Conrad City Council on Aug. 19 adopted resolutions of intention to increase charges for the city’s solid-waste and sewer systems, citing equipment needs, depreciation and capital-improvement planning.
The council voted to adopt Resolution 25-1319, which proposes an 83% increase to solid-waste fees intended to cover depreciation, capital-improvement planning and to build reserves for a replacement truck and repairs. The measure drew discussion about the language describing container types; Public Works Director Dave Zimbelman (on speaker phone) clarified that roll-out containers are typically used at homes without alley access while shared 1.5-yard dumpsters commonly serve multiple households. On the solid-waste resolution, the council adopted the resolution of intention with a recorded vote of 3–1; Alderman Amber Schoenrock voted no.
Council members also adopted Resolution 25-1320, a proposed 43% increase in sewer rates the city said is aimed at meeting loan compliance and system needs. The resolution of intention passed 3–1, with Alderman Schoenrock recorded as the lone dissenting vote.
Finance Officer Jodi Rogers told the council she has been working with department heads on the FY2025–26 budget and that final budgets and formal adoption resolutions will be returned to the council at its Sept. 2 meeting. The council characterized both actions as resolutions of intention; they set a course for proposed increases and clarifications to be finalized through subsequent budgeting and public-notice steps rather than immediate rate imposition.
What the council said the increases pay for: the solid-waste discussion explicitly cited depreciation, planned capital improvements and the ability to save for a new truck, along with routine maintenance and repairs. For sewer, the rationale presented was that higher rates would help ensure compliance with loan terms and fund system needs.
Vote tally and next steps: The transcript records both measures as passing 3–1, with Alderman Schoenrock voting no on each. The city will address clarifying language in the solid-waste resolution about “roll-off container” versus “dumpster” before finalizing the rate schedule; the council also opened a public hearing on the FY2025–26 budget during the meeting but did not record public comment. Final budget adoption and any final rate ordinances or resolutions are scheduled for the Sept. 2 meeting.
