Wichita council agenda review clarifies proposed stormwater utility increase: $1 in 2026, 15¢ monthly thereafter

During an agenda-review meeting on Feb. 13, Wichita legislative staff and council members clarified details of a proposed stormwater utility rate increase that staff will bring back for formal action.

Council members asked whether the proposal meant a $1 increase in 2026 and when an additional 15¢ monthly charge would begin. One presiding official stated, “The dollar would be for 2026.” Other council members clarified that the 15¢-per-month amount is expected to begin in 2027 and to continue thereafter.

The discussion took place during the new-business preview; no formal motion or vote took place at the agenda review. Staff presented the item as part of a package of rate and fee adjustments and asked if council members had questions ahead of the formal hearing or ordinance consideration.

Why it matters: small per-household monthly increases can affect utility-billed households across Wichita and fund stormwater infrastructure maintenance and upgrades. Council members’ questions at the agenda review focused on timing (which year each component of the increase would take effect) and whether the smaller recurring amount is permanent.

Next steps: staff will bring the stormwater utility proposal forward as a formal agenda item for deliberation and potential ordinance action at a later meeting; the agenda review did not include a vote or final approval.