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Resident urges council to explain soaring sewer and water costs
Summary
At Tuesday's Preston City Council meeting, resident Jacob Hansen pressed elected officials for a clear accounting of rising sewer and water charges, questioned whether project funds were properly targeted and warned of financial strain on local families.
Jacob Hansen, a Preston resident, told the council he and other families are struggling with higher utility bills and asked for transparency on where sewer and water revenue is going. "My biggest thing is pretty much the sewer and water," Hansen said, recounting what he remembered as historic charges near $37.50 rising in stages to amounts he said reached $79–$110 and reporting he had heard another $30 increase may be coming. Hansen asked whether funds from customers were being diverted to other projects such as the "academy building" and a new community building rather than directly to the sewer work he expected.
Mayor Larson and public-works staff responded with project context and finance basics. Public-works staff explained that state rules and loan-repayment obligations constrain how enterprise funds are used, that the city may not “make a profit” on sewer or water and that some grant funding reduces the net amount the city must repay. Staff acknowledged some residents missed mailed notices and the council agreed to continue conversations and offer follow-up with Hansen. The council did not change any rates at the meeting and invited Hansen to speak with staff afterward for further detail.
