City Council to take third and final vote on water and sewer rates on June 28, 2016

After votes to approve water and sewer rate increases on May 24 and June 14, the North Liberty City Council is set to consider for a third and final time an ordinance approving the rate increase of a 5 percent, effective July 1, 2016, at its meeting scheduled for June 28, 2016.

Annual increases for utilities are not uncommon, and are required to pay for regular service and maintenance of the systems, as well as to pay for the needed capital projects, such as the coming new drinking water plant and the underway expansion to the current waste water treatment plant. The proposed rate increases would set the minimum charge per month per household, which covers the cost of service and the first 1,000 gallons of use, is currently $14.12 for water and would increase to $14.83. Each additional 1,000 gallons of use would increase from $5.70 to $5.98. For sewer, the current base rate is $27.24 and would increase to $28.60. The cost of an additional 1,000 gallons of sewer use would increase from $4.90 to $5.14. You can read more about how city utility bills are calculated here.

Public comment is welcomed in person at the meeting or in advance by phone, letter or email.