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Council briefed on multi‑year membrane replacements and potential rate increases for water and wastewater
Summary
Staff told the council the water budget is down after paying off debt but highlighted a planned ~$500,000 meter upgrade and ongoing membrane replacements in wastewater; staff signaled a proposed 5% rate increase to preserve borrowing eligibility for major projects.
City staff discussed multi‑year capital needs for water and wastewater and said rate adjustments may be necessary to sustain large projects.
Ryan said the water budget is slightly lower this year after paying off a revenue bond and identified a two‑year plan to invest about $500,000 in water meter technology. He also said the city is setting aside funds for membrane trains and other capital reserves.
On the wastewater side, staff described an ongoing membrane‑replacement program. Ryan observed that the membranes were expected to last about 10 years but some have lasted 18; staff are budgeting phased replacements and noted design and borrowing for larger projects are planned this year. "We have to look at the financial viability of this system as we consider these large, capital projects," Ryan said, and recommended reevaluating rates in May with a preliminary 5% figure under consideration to maintain SRF borrowing eligibility.
