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Council adopts Ordinance 26-L setting utility rate changes, directs further stormwater review
Summary
After a brief public hearing with no comments, Perry adopted Ordinance 26-L to implement rate changes effective July 1: a 15% water increase (~$4.13/month), 2% sewer and 2% storm drain increases. Council directed staff to revisit storm drain rates with updated capital analysis and noted MS4 compliance costs.
Perry City Council approved Ordinance 26-L on June 25 to adjust utility rates, with the ordinance amended to take effect July 1, 2026. Finance Director Shanna Johnson's presentation included rate proposals: a 15% water increase equating to approximately $4.13 per month, a 2% sewer increase and a 2% storm drain increase; no change to garbage rates was proposed. The public hearing was opened and closed with no public comment.
Council discussed the storm drain fund, which staff projected would show an operational loss of roughly $52,288 including depreciation (about $19,798 excluding depreciation); staff noted that a $1.00 monthly increase would eliminate the loss but the council opted to keep the proposed 2% increase for the current year and directed staff to revisit the storm drain rate after updated capital facilities planning. Public Works Director Zach Allen explained compliance with MS4 requirements involves significant recurring costs, citing annual cleaning costs of $50,000-$60,000 and state-administered oversight by DEQ consistent with EPA requirements, as summarized by City Attorney Bill Morris.
