Council approves water-rate ordinance increasing average bill by about $0.94

Jason Chasen presented Ordinance O-010 to amend Chapter 51 (water and wastewater rules and rates), explaining the ordinance implements a 1.75% water-only rate adjustment that would repeat annually until a comprehensive wastewater study is completed.

Chasen said the 1.75% increase would raise the average monthly customer bill by approximately $0.94 and yield about $443,000 of additional revenue for the utilities enterprise; he also noted projected cost pressures including a 22% increase in electricity expenses and a 7% increase in water-treatment chemicals.

After brief council discussion and confirmation there were no public speakers, the council moved, seconded and approved O-010 by roll call. Staff said the effective date, if adopted, would be July 1 of each succeeding year beginning July 1, 2024, until a multi-year rate schedule is adopted following the comprehensive study.