The West Plains City Council met in regular session last night, February 22, 2022. Among many topics discussed, including budgets and electric meters, was a rate increase across the board for city utilities. Ozark Radio News spoke with Public Works Director Jeff Hanshaw about those potential rate increases and when the public could voice their opinions.
The most notable reason for the rate increases is the lack of increases for nearly 10 years in regards to sewer and water rates. Sewer and Water rates increased in 2013, Electric rates last increased in 2016, and, most recently, Sanitation rates increased in 2021. With the recent increase, Sanitation rates are suggested the lowest rate of increase for 2022 at 1.5%. Sewer, Water, and Electric rates are expected to have larger increases for 2022-2023 before adjusting to a 1%-2% increase in 2024 and 2025.
Because the increases have both a flat rate and usage component, the increase will be different for each household. The city estimates the increase to range from $8.06 to $20.74 per month, depending on weather-related usage. To arrive at these estimates, the city compared a sample of bills including a young couple (20’s), a family with children, a middle-aged couple with a child still living at home (3 occupants), a single senior (70+), and a senior couple (70+).
Anticipating critical utility infrastructure needs over the next 30 years, the city received a grant in 2021 to fund the development of an Integrated Management Plan, which has charted a 30-year path to implement the necessary infrastructure improvements in a more affordable and sustainable method for the city and its citizens. As part of this plan, the rates for each of the four utilities are being realigned to ensure that each utility is not only covering its expenses but can fund the infrastructure improvements needed in the future.
The city council will vote on the second reading of the bills at the March 21 City Council meeting. A public comment session will be held at 5 p.m. prior to the regular March meeting.
