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Westfir reviews water and sewer policy amid shortfalls; staff urges study before rate changes
Summary
Staff told the council the sewer and water funds are underfunded and recommended a rate study before any fee increases; staff reported $41,500 estimated in user fees and a $33,000 general fund transfer for sewer this year and said a consultant study could cost roughly $5,000.
Staff presented a review of the water policy and recent rate history, noting the city increased fees in 2022 and again in 2024. Citing League of Oregon Cities data, staff said median water increases have accelerated statewide and wastewater increases have been large in recent years.
Staff reported estimated figures for the upcoming fiscal year: about $41,500 in user‑fee revenue and a $33,000 transfer from the general fund to support wastewater operations. “The water and sewer funds are just not well funded enough,” staff said during the review, and recommended the council consider a formal rate study so the city can present an expert rationale for any increase.
Options discussed included conducting a rate study (staff estimated an informal ballpark of $5,000 for such work), establishing low‑income discounts, and exploring grant funding for capital needs. Council and staff also discussed the staffing and certification costs tied to water operations — a proposed operator training class in March would cost roughly $434 plus per‑diem and lodging — and the long‑term need to restore the water/sewer reserves.
Next steps: staff will continue budget work in March, seek comparative wage and rate‑study estimates from nearby cities, and return with a more precise cost estimate and recommendation for any rate changes or reserve strategy.
