At Tuesday night’s meeting, the City Commission adopted changes to City water and sewer rates that include gradual increases over the next several years.
Rates have remained flat for the past seven years, and operational costs have increased dramatically. In recent years, City staff have cut the utility budgets, postponed purchases, increased efficiencies, and drawn down reserve funds to meet the budget.
After a series of work sessions in the past few months, the City Commission on March 14 directed staff to bring back ordinances that eliminate the 38% Sewer Plant Upgrade Fee and stop paying off the plant loan early, keep the property-tax relief transfers to the General Fund intact, and gradually increase rates over the next few years to keep the utilities solvent.
The new rates will take effect in January 2024. The ordinances provide for six years of gradual increases, with a review at least every three years to determine if adjustments are needed. The utilities will still spend down reserves for the next few years.
The total utility bill (water/sewer/trash) for a user of 300 cubic feet of water is $96.21 today. In 2024, their bill will be $96.62. For a 600 cubic feet user, the total bill today is $151.32. In 2024, their bill will be $151.97.
The full rate schedule can be found on the City’s website.
- Dissolved the current commissions and reconstituted a combined Planning and Historic Preservation Commission. Applications to serve on the commission are available at the third-floor reception desk at City Hall or online.
- Declined a request from Mennonite Housing to waive $20,000 in permit fees for phase 2 of Harvest Pointe senior housing addition. The Commission instead offered to provide a letter of support for the project for the company’s application for Low Income Housing Tax Credits.
- Received a report from City staff about the potential for an agricultural program including farm animals at a public school within the city limits. Although certain animals are banned by City Code, there is an exception for accredited academic institutions and those holding a license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Conducted a public hearing and levied special assessments for public infrastructure improvements in Summer Crossing and Sand Creek Station additions.
- Amended the permit fee for temporary alcohol permits for special events.
- Approved a lease agreement with the Newton Public Library Board for the new library building.
- Approved an extension of the City’s intent to grant a tax abatement to Bunting Magnetics for its facility expansion.
For more information, please contact Director of Communications Erin McDaniel at 316-284-6055 or emcdaniel@newtonkansas.com.
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