Council approves 10% increase in water and sewer utility rates

The Perkins City Commission meeting on April 10, 2025, focused on several key issues, including a contract renewal with Davis Sanitation and proposed changes to utility rates for the upcoming fiscal year.

During the meeting, the commission approved a resolution for a 1.4 percent increase in the contract with Davis Sanitation. This adjustment is part of the regular contractual obligations the city has with the sanitation provider.

The discussion then shifted to the Perkins Public Works Authority operating budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The mayor indicated that much of the budget information had already been covered in previous discussions, suggesting a streamlined approach to the agenda.

A significant topic of the meeting was the proposed modification of utility rates. The staff presented a detailed breakdown of water and sewer usage, highlighting that 78 percent of customers fall within the lowest usage categories. The proposed changes include a 10 percent increase in water and sewer rates, which would result in an estimated increase of approximately $9.79 per month for households using around 5,200 gallons of water and sewer. Additionally, there would be a minor increase of 22 cents for trash services, bringing the total increase for lower usage households to around $10 per month. For those using higher amounts, such as 10,500 gallons, the increase could reach $12.50.

The commission also acknowledged the impact of these rate changes on residents, particularly those on fixed incomes, as they deliberated on the necessity and implications of the proposed increases.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's ongoing efforts to manage operational costs while considering the financial burden on its residents. Further discussions and decisions regarding the budget and utility rates are expected in upcoming meetings.