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Council discusses water and sewer rate-study options; consultant cites ~$30,000 cost
Summary
A presenter explained options and trade-offs for a combined water and sewer rate study, told the council such studies commonly cost about $30,000–$32,000, and described rate-design choices that could shift costs between base and volumetric charges.
Council members asked staff about a proposed water and sewer rate study and its likely cost. A presenter explained that a full rate study — not just an update — would typically run around $30,000 to $32,000 and would examine revenue needs, reserve targets and alternative rate structures. "That was around it was 30...and that was water and sewer," the presenter said when describing prior work and expected costs.
The presenter summarized common outcomes of rate studies — most commonly the analyses show a need for revenue increases because expenses have risen with inflation — but said there are design options. For example, staff can propose lowering a base rate while increasing the volumetric overage charge so low-volume residential users pay less while heavy industrial or large water users pay more. Council did not direct immediate action to adopt a rate study contract at this meeting; staff described the range of options and trade-offs for future consideration.
