Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Rates Public Hearing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public hearing set for Booster Pump project; council warned a rate increase is likely
Summary
Council scheduled a public hearing to brief residents on the Booster Pump project and discussed future water-rate changes. Staff said the $ grant avoids an immediate $20 loan-driven increase but that a later rate change and tiered rates are being explored.
Council discussed the required public hearing for the Booster Pump project and how the city will communicate potential future rate changes to residents. The Chair said a public hearing will be included so the public "know what's going on with the Booster Pump project," and staff confirmed the hearing can be noticed on the same day as a work meeting.
Staff emphasized that because the project is funded by a grant rather than a loan the city is not required to raise rates immediately, but warned rate increases are likely in the future to set aside funds for repairs and reserves. "Had this been a loan, the rates would have gone up at least $20," a staff member said, and staff described working on a tiered-rate structure to reduce the size of a base-rate increase for lower-volume users. Council members urged being upfront with residents about the coming increase and holding a follow-up meeting once draft numbers are available.
