Wessington Springs adopts new electric, water and sewer rate ordinance

The Wessington Springs City Council voted unanimously Dec. 29 to adopt Ordinance #832, which amends the city's electric, water and sewer rates. The motion to approve the second reading and adopt the ordinance was made by Councilmember Layton Schimke and seconded by Councilmember Shawn Tobin; Councilmembers Schimke, Tobin, Kari Fagerhaug and Scott Vaske voted in favor and none voted against.

Ordinance #832, titled "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ELECTRIC,WATER, AND SEWER RATES FOR THE CITY OF WESSINGTON SPRINGS," establishes new charges including an $18.00 monthly customer charge for residential electric service plus an energy charge of 9.0' per kWh and a 0.7' debt service surcharge. Small commercial service carries a $20.50 meter charge and 10.8' per kWh energy charge; large commercial customer charges, energy and demand rates are spelled out in the ordinance. The water schedule sets a $24.25 monthly residential meter charge plus $4.90 per 1,000 gallons and identifies DW-02, DW-03 and DW-04 surcharges; sewer minimum charges are set at $30.00 monthly with additional surcharges for certain users and volume-based charges tied to first-quarter water usage.

The ordinance text notes prompt payment provisions and procedures for unpaid accounts, including a 10 percent late charge on balances unpaid by the 25th of the month and potential service discontinuation. The ordinance record states the changes will take effect with the first billing period following the ordinance's effective date.

Council recorded the ordinance's first reading on Dec. 1, 2025 and its second reading and adoption on Dec. 29, 2025; the published date listed in the minutes is Jan. 7, 2025. No public objections or recorded amendments to the ordinance appear in the minutes; the Finance Officer Linda Willman attested the ordinance record.