Council hears utility rate study proposing 5.4% increase, votes on fees deferred

Consultants and finance staff presented a rate study that recommends an overall 5.4% increase to the combined utility bill, effective July 1 if adopted with the budget. The presentation noted the average customer’s monthly bill would rise roughly $7.72 — from about $153.40 to $161.12 — and showed a long‑range projection that the average could reach roughly $186 by 2031.

"This is the ask," the presenter said while reviewing components tied to water, wastewater and stormwater, and the staff explained that the proposed resolution before council would memorialize the study as the basis for the budget. Staff clarified the council would return in June with the formal fee adoption alongside the budget rather than adopt final fees at this meeting.

Councilors and members of the public questioned specific line items and asked for clear breakdowns by component; presenters said the slide deck showed components and that staff would incorporate feedback and return with a final recommendation for the budget process.

Next steps: staff will collect additional public feedback, incorporate any requested clarifications and present the formal fee adoption ordinance or resolution during the regular session and budget adoption timeline in June.