New Utility Rates Explained

Water, Wastewater, & Trash Base Rates to Increase

On September 21, 2017, City Council approved new utility rates for the 2017 to 2018 Fiscal-Year. A chart comparing the 2016 to 2017 Rates to the 2017 to 2018 Rates has been provided below for reference and comparison. The new rates will apply beginning October 1st for water used during the month of October, billed out at the end of November, due December 15, 2017. Increases apply to base rates only. Volumetric rates will not change.

Beginning in 2016, the City moved from a flat rate sewer charge to a volumetric rate winter averaging charge, which is based on a three-month average consumption. The three months included in the determination are November, January and February. These months are deliberately chosen because they tend to have the lowest consumption for most customers. The end result is that those who are conservative in their usage will pay less for sewer services and those who use more water and place a greater burden on the treatment facilities will pay more. New winter averaging rates will be calculated in April and will be due on utility bills beginning May 2018. The new Winter Averaging Base Rate will increase but the volumetric rate will not change.

Trash Rates will increase beginning October 1st for bills due November 15th. The base rate has increased $1.50 for the first trash cart. The rate for additional carts will not change. There is no fee for the 1st Recycling cart. Additional recycling carts are billed at the same rate as additional trash carts.