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Council approves sewer and stormwater rate increases to address audit‑identified deficit
Summary
Following a Baker Tilly audit, council approved a 9% sewer rate increase in late 2026 and a 7% increase in early 2027 and a stormwater ERU charge increase (from $85 to $100 in Q4 2026 and to $115 in Q1 2027) to cover operations, deferred maintenance and part of a potential public works facility debt.
After discussing a Baker Tilly audit that identified operating deficits, the council adopted ordinance 26‑1108 to increase sewer utility rates (a staff recommendation for a 9% increase in the fourth quarter of 2026 and a 7% increase in the first quarter of 2027). Jamie (staff) noted example bill impacts: a typical sewer bill line would increase roughly $2–$3 a month for many customers.
A separate resolution (R‑26‑024) raised the stormwater charge from $85 ($21.25 per 0.25 ERU) to $100 ($25 per 0.25 ERU) in Q4 2026 and to $115 ($28.75 per 0.25 ERU) in Q1 2027. Council members asked whether the Public Service Commission regulates these utilities; staff clarified sewer and stormwater utilities are municipally set and not PSC regulated. The mayor noted the proposed increases are intended to cover operating shortfalls, staffing additions, deferred maintenance and to fund roughly 15% of a proposed public works facility debt payment.
What passed: voice votes were recorded on the transcript as 'Aye' and both the sewer ordinance and the stormwater resolution passed. Council asked staff to monitor impacts, proceed with an audit next summer and consider smaller annual increases in the future instead of large jumps in consecutive quarters.
