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Council schedules utility committee to review water-rate analysis after questions about annual increases
Summary
Council members questioned a standing 3% annual escalator (plus a $1 charge) on water rates; Finance Director Dave Lewis said the recent rate-analysis supports the increases to cover operations and infrastructure tied to the long-term control plan. Council scheduled a Public Utilities Committee meeting for March 3, 2026 to review the study.
Council members raised constituent concerns about the recurring 3% annual water-rate increase plus an additional $1 charge during the Feb. 3 meeting and asked staff to show how alternative schedules (every-other-year or every three years) would affect the utility's finances.
Finance Director Dave Lewis advised council to review the recent rate-analysis study, saying, "At 3% just covers your operational increases, but the dollar is what is covering your infrastructure improvements," and that the analysis aligns with the utility's long-term control plan and consent order deadlines. Mr. Mavromatis said he would ensure council receives a copy of the latest rate study and noted that delaying increases would likely delay infrastructure projects funded, in part, by rate revenue and matching grants.
Council member McManamon announced a Public Utilities Committee meeting on March 3 at 6:00 p.m. to examine the rate analysis in detail. Staff indicated they would include wastewater and water impacts and involve the departments most affected in the review.
