Krebs Utilities Authority adopts 2024–25 budget, approves 4.95% residential water and sewer rate increase

The Krebs Utilities Authority adopted its 2024–25 budget at a board meeting on Aug. 20, 2024, approving a residential water and sewer rate increase of 4.95 percent that is scheduled to take effect in January. The motion to adopt the budget was made by Jason Wagnon, seconded by Dan Heathcock and passed unanimously among members present.

Finance presenter Mike Kern reviewed the July financial statement, saying, “For the month of July our total revenues were $113,620.36” and that the operating income was $5,506.63. Kern told the board the authority made a one-time $19,000 transfer from the KUA to the general fund to address general-fund needs, and he said overall revenues are “right on line with the budget.” He also noted the long-term rural development note payable balance and projected that those notes will be paid off in June of next year.

Kern described the planned rate increase as part of the budget assumptions and said it is intended to cover rising costs for chemicals, materials and personnel. He said the 4.95 percent increase, based on an assumed 5,000 water users, averages about $0.14 per day per residential customer and could generate roughly $20,000 in additional revenue.

The board did not record any dissent during the motion to adopt the budget. The vote to approve the budget was taken after procedural confirmation that the budget document would be updated with the agreed figures.

The budget adoption is the board’s primary fiscal action for the coming year; there were no additional conditions or amendments recorded at the meeting. The board adjourned after routine closing remarks.