At Monday’s City Council meeting, City staff revisited the comprehensive review of the City’s water and sewer rates given at the June 8 meeting and gave a closer look at the recommended rate adjustment scenario. The review is part of preparations for the Council’s annual budget workshop and new budget adoption; a rate increase is needed to maintain minimum fund balance requirements in the Water and Sewer Fund.
The City-recommended “Scenario 3” adjusts base fees depending on meter size (as is the common practice in most cities), encourages water conservation and provides a senior discount to the base fee. The average residential user would see a 7.9-8.3 percent increase in rates per year over the next three years, and seniors’ base charge would remain frozen at $8 for water and wastewater (for ¾” and 1” meters), with their volume rate adjustments remaining consistent with regular residential rates.
After receiving City Council feedback, staff will incorporate Scenario 3 in the preliminary budget in advance of the Council’s August budget workshop.
Water and Sewer Rate presentation: Video
