The city hired Keane and Morrow, a utility finance firm, to study whether current water rates cover the cost of running and replacing the water system. The study found they do not: rates have not changed since 2019, while the cost of treatment chemicals and pipe has risen by about a third.
The three options
| Option | What it does | Typical monthly bill |
|---|---|---|
| A | Covers operating costs only; pipe replacement stays deferred | $52 to $55 |
| B | Replaces about one mile of main a year | $52 to $61 |
| C | Replaces two miles a year and builds a reserve | $52 to $66 |
A typical bill is for a household using 5,000 gallons a month.
What happens next
The Council reviews the study at its November 10 meeting. Any change would require a public hearing and written notice to every customer at least 45 days before the vote.