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Board cites $150k–$300k capital projects as drivers of proposed water rate rise
Summary
Board members said multiple large capital projects — SCADA ($150,000–$200,000), dam ($300,000), bridge ($150,000) and replacement of a 129‑year transmission line — are shaping a proposed rate increase; Trustee Mary Rogers asked for the math behind the increase and was told the board aims to hold reserves near $67,000.
Trustee Mary Rogers asked for the arithmetic underlying a proposed increase in water rates at the July 1 meeting. Board members replied that the rate planning reflects several high-cost needs: SCADA upgrades estimated at $150,000–$200,000, a dam project estimated at $300,000, a bridge project estimated at $150,000, replacement of aging well pumps and heaters, and a long-term program to replace a 129-year-old transmission line.
The board said 78 million gallons of water were billed in 2025 and that their planning target would leave roughly $67,000 for reserves if the rate adjustments and budgeting assumptions hold. The board framed the rate planning as proactive asset-management to address multiple future capital needs rather than short-term operating shortfalls.
