Pampa staff warn water fund shortfall; preliminary plan would raise water and sewer rates about 19%

City staff presented a draft budget and warned commissioners that the water and wastewater enterprise fund is projected to run a roughly $1.3–$1.4 million deficit before policy choices. "Don't be too alarmed by looking at these numbers because we do have some things planned for you guys," the presenter said, noting budgeted revenues of $9.7 million against $11.1 million in expenditures.

Staff laid out specific options to close the gap. "In order for the city to be able to cover that $1.3 million deficit ... we would need a 19% increase to our water and sewer," the presenter said, adding that keeping all USG water projects in place would raise the required increase to about 24%. The presentation included meter-size examples and a proposed new minimum water bill figure to illustrate impacts. Staff emphasized the numbers are preliminary and promised detailed work-session scenarios before any formal vote.

Commissioners asked for sample customer-bill impacts and for comparisons to neighboring cities’ recent rate actions; staff agreed to present average-bill examples at the scheduled work session. The next formal budget steps include a work session on the 27th and follow-up budget meetings before final adoption.