Board approves 7% sewer-fee increase amid debate over reserves and household impacts

The Board of Aldermen voted to adopt O-26-023, which raises sewer-use fees and monthly meter charges to increase wastewater revenues and shore up the wastewater enterprise fund. The measure passed on final reading by a roll-call vote of nine in favor and three opposed.

Alderman Kelly, speaking to the need for a measured approach, said the increase continues a multi-year plan to bring sewer fees in line with infrastructure needs and regional benchmarks. "This is just a continuation of that, getting our sewer fee rates and charges up to the needs of the infrastructure and in line with other communities," Kelly said.

Opponents warned of the cumulative effect on households that already face rising taxes and other utility costs. Alderman Sullivan and Alderman Johnson said the timing is difficult for many residents and urged exploring use of reserves rather than further rate increases. Public commenters also flagged concerns about municipal salary growth and the combined impact on December tax bills.

City staff provided rate details: wastewater superintendent Dave Bush said the current sewer rate is $4.54 per 100 cubic feet (748 gallons); if the council approved the 7% increase the rate would rise to $4.86 per 100 cubic feet and the standard monthly meter charge would increase to $21.87 for a 5/8-inch residential meter. Finance staff said the average residential bill impact was minimal per month (previous committee discussion estimated roughly $3 on typical monthly/quarterly bills), but aldermen noted that even small increases compound with other municipal and county charges.

Supporters said the increases are needed to pay for short-term operations and to rebuild a prudent fund balance to cover capital and debt-service obligations. The board's vote followed public hearings and committee review; details of future sewer capital borrowings were included among the bond resolutions read on first reading later in the meeting.