AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Ordinance 2024-43, on the second of two readings, amending rates for the Water, Wholesale Water, Reclaimed Water, and Wastewater Treatment Utility Services in accordance with Chapter 86 of the San Marcos City Code of Ordinances; including procedural provisions; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: September 17, 2024
Department: Utilities and Finance
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Funds Available: N/A
Account Name: N/A
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: City Council approved the first reading and held a public hearing on the proposed rate adjustments September 3, 2024.
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Background Information:
The City conducts an annual water and wastewater rate study and the results are reviewed by staff and the Citizens Utility Advisory Board (CUAB). The CUAB held a meeting on July 25, 2024, and received a presentation on the estimated revenues and major cost drivers of the water and wastewater system. During the meeting, the CUAB voted to recommend a 5% adjustment for water and a 5% adjustment for wastewater rates for fiscal year 2025. The recommended increase will cost an estimated $2.56 per month for water and $2.64 per month for wastewater for the average residential user.
There are several cost drivers that necessitate the rate adjustment, including contractual cost increases for operating the surface water treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant, and the Alliance Regional Water Authority totaling $887 thousand, replacing large equipment that reached end of life and infrastructure upgrades will cost $888 thousand, and additional debt service payments from current year debt issuance of $565 thousand.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
On July 25, 2024, The Citizen Utility Advisory Board held a meeting and voted to recommend a 5% rate adjustment for water and a 5% rate adjustment for wastewater.
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommendation:
City Council approve the ordinance amending rates as recommended by the Citizen Utility Advisory Board.