Subject:
Title
Public Hearing on FY 2022-23 Water and Sewer Rates
Body
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
FY 2022-23 will be the fifth year of a five-year rate plan implemented from a water and sewer rate study undertaken in FY 2018. The research and resulting rate plan ensure that water and sewer rates maintain the system's financial health, adequate infrastructure investment and align with industry best practices.
Based on a comparison of current cash reserves in the fund to the five-year plan, the following increases are recommended for FY 2022-23:
- 2.6% increase in water rates
- 6.3% increase in sewer rates
- 4.8% increase in service charge so that it equals 15% of total charges (industry standard)
Overall, the average residential customer's bill will increase approximately 4.8%; $10.00 per quarter or $40.00 per year.
Water availability fees will rise slightly and only have a small impact on revenue.
Changes to the fee schedule are attached. A public hearing on these fee changes will be held to provide water and sewer customers an opportunity to offer comments.
Strategic Plan Initiative: Vienna is a fiscally responsible community.
Board or Commission of Interest: N/A
Departmental Recommendation: Recommend a public hearing.
Finance Recommendation: Recommend a public hearing.
Purchasing Recommendation: N/A
Town Attorney Recommendation: In accordance with state and Town Code provisions, the Town Council should conduct a public hearing to receive public input on the proposed water and sewer rates.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council approve water and sewer rates and fees for FY 2022-2023 as presented and direct the Town Clerk to advertise a Notice of Intent to Adopt, as presented.
Cost and Financing: $11,501,720
Account Number: Various
Decision Needed by This date: April 11, 2022
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to close the public hearing."
AND
"I move to approve water ...
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