Staff backs two-year split for water and wastewater base-rate increases; council asks for refined plan on May 11

City staff recommended a phased approach to water and wastewater rate increases intended to smooth customer bills and create a more stable revenue stream for the utility. "The request was to split option 1, which was purely a base rate increase, ... into 2 years," said Chris, the city's director of water resources, who presented the follow-up analysis from last month’s workshop.

Under the recommended Option 1D, staff said a typical residential customer using roughly 8,000 gallons of water and 5,000 gallons of wastewater could see a roughly mid‑teens percentage increase over the first two years, followed by much smaller increases in years three and four. Staff recommended a July 1, 2026 implementation date and said the approach avoids relying solely on volumetric charges, which can swing with rainfall and usage: "Providing the most stable revenue source for the utility and not ... relying solely on volumetric charges," Chris said.

Council members and staff discussed assistance for low‑income customers. Chris proposed extending eligibility for existing electric assistance to water/wastewater base‑rate relief and continuing referrals to the Hope Center and 2‑1‑1 and local nonprofits. "We're trying to utilize all resources to make sure that we can cover and help those that are on hard times," he said.

The council emphasized clear outreach and an explanation of what customers would receive in return for higher rates. One council member asked that the marketing and city manager’s office present a public-facing explanation so residents understand the benefits tied to higher revenue (capital projects, long‑term independence). Council also pressed staff to tighten the methodology for assistance amounts before returning the final rate structure.

Staff and council discussed the larger policy goal of reducing dependence on wholesale water purchases from Oklahoma City. Officials noted the city pays roughly $1.2 million a year currently to reserve wholesale capacity and that completing the city’s planned water plant by about 2030 would reduce that exposure. Staff said Option 1D helps position Edmond to reach that independence.

Council directed staff to refine Option 1D, finalize assistance eligibility language and outreach materials, and present the ordinance and supporting documents for formal consideration at the next available regular meeting on May 11.

The council did not take a final vote at the workshop; staff will return with the refined proposal on May 11.