Council reviews first reading of residential water and sewer rate-freeze resolution

At the May 7 work session, Finance Director Matthew Mesisklis presented a first reading of a resolution that would restrict rate increases for residential water and sewer customers using less than 8,000 gallons per month. According to the staff presentation, the City had expected to require a 3.6% annual rate increase for the next five years but plans to use a tap-fee payment and the investment of those funds to offset costs associated with an existing water-tower project currently under construction. Mr. Mesisklis said ongoing user fees from large customers entering the City will also assist with project costs.

Mr. Mesisklis explained the proposed freeze applies to residential water and sewer rates while larger users (properties using more than 8,000 gallons per month) would not be frozen and would likely see increases tied to CPI. The draft resolution text in the transcript states the freeze would run "until January 1, 2023," a date that appears inconsistent with the meeting date; council did not clarify or correct that date during the session.

Why it matters: The resolution would directly affect residential utility bills and how the City finances an ongoing water-tower project. This was a first reading; no final vote or adoption was recorded in the work session transcript.