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Council moves to publish proposed sewer-rate increase for December public hearing
Summary
Finance staff presented debt-service math showing a $368,000 shortfall absent a rate change; council directed staff to publish a proposed sewer monthly rate increase (candidates included raising sewer from $65 to $90 or $95) in the public notice and prepare detailed backup before the December public hearing.
Finance staff Kelly told council that under current projections the city faces an approximate $368,000 shortfall to meet the wastewater plant debt payment without a rate change. "Basically, from the last increase that we took till next July, we're gonna collect $893,000, which leaves us $368,000 short," Kelly said.
Council discussed options for covering the shortfall, including raising the sewer monthly rate; figures discussed included raising sewer from $65 to $90 (a $25 increase) or to $95 for purposes of the public notice. Members debated whether to publish a conservative ceiling for the public notice or a slightly lower figure to allow flexibility; several members also emphasized protections for low-income residents and the need to clearly present the math to the public. The council directed staff to include the proposed rate in the public notice, prepare visible, plain-language materials showing the debt, operating expenses, and reserve status, and be ready to discuss alternatives at the December hearing.
