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Council scales back meter project, tweaks water/wastewater budget and flags need for rate study
Summary
Staff reduced the planned meter replacement program and reallocated admin fees and personnel costs across water and wastewater funds; finance staff used a 9-month average and a 4.99% rate increase to set water revenue projections and council asked for a utility rate study option to evaluate long-term sustainability.
Finance staff explained water user‑fee revenue projections were based on a nine‑month average and an additional 4.99% increase to produce a $525,236 water revenue estimate for the coming year. The proposed large meter replacement program ($250,000 over five years) was scaled back: staff said they would continue with currently available meters and parts and stagger remaining work.
Water and wastewater payroll shifts were driven mainly by reallocating a city assets operator position; council members noted the enterprise funds may need additional staffing to sustain 24/7 operations. One council member urged a utility rate audit or rate study to validate fee structure and to explore grant or principal forgiveness options that could reduce the outstanding wastewater bond burden.
