By Kerri Rempp
Chadron residents will see a 10% increase on their water bills, according to the first reading of the fee ordinance for the upcoming fiscal year.
That will translate to an additional $2 on the water bill of an average user, said City Manager Tom Menke Monday. Rates will increase 20-23 cents per 100 cubic feet based on usage, and meter size charges will also go up. Janet Johnson, planning and zoning administrator for the city, said the projected revenue from the increases is $92,000, based on revenues from FY22-23.
The city has planned for water and sewer increases over the next four years, as sewer costs will be hit with the 10% increase next year. Currently, years three and four will see 5% increases on both funds, Menke said.
The hikes are an attempt to get ahead of the infrastructure needs in the city. The city’s water study has more than $30 million of needed improvements in the mid-term future on the water system alone, Menke said.
Other fee changes are also being proposed, including an increase in the solicitor’s license fees and the addition of fees for mobile food vendors.