Residents ask why stormwater fees apply to rural properties; staff explains program
Summary
A resident asked why stormwater fees apply inside city limits to more-rural properties; staff explained the fee funds ditch maintenance and associated costs and that rates will be published as the city updates water-rate information tied to Wichita's increases.
A resident asked why properties that appear rural but fall inside Kechi city limits still pay stormwater fees. A staff member explained: "Stormwater would be defined as anything that runs off into the ditches. So any property drains to the ditches, those ditches have to be maintained by the city. The city has to... pay for that. We incur maintenance cost for those, so that's what those stormwater fees cover."
Council members also discussed transparency around utility-rate changes after neighboring Wichita increased water rates effective 01/01/2026. Council requested staff prepare a visual slide showing current rates, the new rates, and a published escalation of 3% on 08/01/2026 so residents can track monthly changes; staff said updated rates will be brought forward in February.
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