AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Receive a Staff presentation and hold a Public Hearing to receive comments for or against Ordinance 2025-40, amending the rates for Water, Wholesale Water, Reclaimed Water, and Wastewater Treatment Utility Services in accordance with Chapter 86 of the San Marcos City Code; including procedural provisions; and declaring an effective date; and consider approval of Ordinance 2025-40 on the first of two readings.
Body
Meeting date: September 2, 2025
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: N/A
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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 multiple meetings during the summer and received presentations on the estimated revenues and major cost drivers of the water and wastewater system. The CUAB voted to recommend an effective 10.4% increase for water and wastewater rates, 10.8% adjustment for water and 9.7% adjustment for wastewater, for Fiscal Year 2026. The recommended increase will cost an estimated $5.73 per month for water and $5.38 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 $1.2 million, additional debt service payments from current year debt issuance of $4.9 million, and one new employee at $164 thousand.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
The Citizen Utility Advisory Board held multiple meetings and voted to recommend a 10.8% rate adjustment for water and a 9.7% rate adjustment for wastewater.
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommendation:
City Council approve the ordinance amending rates as recommended by the Citizen Utility Advisory Board.