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Commission approves 2.97% water and wastewater rate increases; average household impact small
Summary
The commission approved separate resolutions to raise water and wastewater rates by 2.97% (staff said typical household effects will be about $0.50–$1.60/month for water and $0.71–$3.51/month for wastewater); at least one resident spoke in opposition to any rate increase.
The commission approved Resolution 5197 (water) and Resolution 5198 (wastewater), each proposing a 2.97% increase in base rates to reflect recent inflation and operational cost changes.
Manager Gager and Finance Director Paige Betterhoff explained the recommended 2.97% base increase and the tiered structure that limits impacts to most residential users. Gager told the commission the typical monthly water bill increase would be approximately "$0.50 and $1.60" for most customers; for wastewater staff estimated a residential increase between "$0.71 and $3.51" per month depending on usage tier.
At least one online commenter, Patricia Grama, said she opposed any rate increases. Commissioners who supported the resolutions said the modest, targeted increases allow the utility funds to remain solvent without sharp spikes for low‑usage customers.
What’s next: the rate changes were approved by ordinance/resolution and will appear on customer bills in the next billing cycle; staff will provide billing‑tier examples and affordability information to the public.
