Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Poulsbo council leans toward incremental water-rate increases and higher hookup fees
Summary
Staff presented a water-system financial analysis showing an operational deficit under status quo. Council signaled support for an incremental rate plan (scenario 3) with phased increases and a GFC increase, and asked staff to model higher GFC options and proceed with the public-notice steps.
City finance and public-works staff presented a financial analysis of Poulsbo's water system and three scenarios to close operating gaps and fund capital needs. Staff said the water fund is operating at a deficit under a status-quo scenario and that the analysis considered a one-time large increase, an incremental approach and no-change options.
"So that ends up being a 15% rate increase in 2025 at $500 GFC increase," Charlie summarized as part of the one-time scenario example, while staff recommended a smaller, phased approach of 6% increases in 2025, 2027 and 2029 alongside a GFC adjustment. Council members asked for modeling of alternative GFC levels (examples discussed included $500–$1,000) and directed staff to follow the typical public-notice and hearing steps before any ordinance adoption.
Staff noted that connection fees (GFCs) are limited by RCW methodology but also that Poulsbo's current GFC is below many regional peers; the maximum allowable GFC under the methodology could be much higher. Council indicated preference for the incremental scenario (Scenario 3) pending more detail and a public hearing.
