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Ellsworth council approves water and sewer rate study contract, authorizes up to $20,000
Summary
Council approved hiring a consultant to perform combined water and sewer rate studies. Staff said the consultant quoted $16,946; council authorized proceeding with a not‑to‑exceed amount of $20,000 from project funds.
The Ellsworth City Council approved a proposal on Sept. 23 to contract for a combined water and sewer rate study to update the city’s rate structure and account for forthcoming projects, including lagoon work and aging lift stations.
Staff said the Kansas Rural Water Authority recommended a consultant who provided a quote of $16,946 for separate water and sewer packages; staff asked authorization to proceed and estimated potential additional site visits could increase scope. Council approved the proposal and agreed to a not‑to‑exceed limit of $20,000, directing staff to draw the contract amount from project budget lines.
A councilor noted that prior rate studies (from 2017) are out of date, and members discussed that the study will help plan for a roughly $10 million project and identify grant or loan forgiveness opportunities. The approved study will include a review of collection and distribution costs and allow the city to prepare a rate structure to support upcoming capital work.
The motion to approve the water/sewer rate analysis passed by voice vote; staff will return with a contract and timeline and begin the work once the consultant is engaged.
