Even with the proposed rate increases coming with the 2020 budget, the city of Emporia is still sitting at the middle of the pack compared to other communities for utility rates.
This is according to a recent comparison completed by city staff and presented during the Emporia City Commission’s study session on Wednesday afternoon. Emporia Director of Administrative Services Janet Harrouff says the comparison looked at rates of 15 other cities within the state of Kansas.
According to Harrouff, the city of Emporia was below the state average for utility rates in several categories.
As KVOE has reported recently the city is proposing increases of 10 percent to wastewater, 8 percent to water rates and 3 percent for stormwater fees. However, city commissioners plan to reevaluate these proposed increases and will render decisions at some point in October.
Harrouff says even if the increases were to be approved as presented, it would not affect the city’s standing compared to other city rates.
Commissioners also received an update on the city’s bike-share program. Last month, Healthier Lyon County grant manager Daphne Mertens spoke with KVOE News and reported the program should be ready for rollout by the end of this month.
According to Wednesday’s update plans appear to be on schedule as Merten’s says there are only a few details left to be completed.
In total, twenty-four bikes will be available at six different locations.
*CrossWinds Counseling and Wellness
*Do-B’s
*Emporia High School
*Lee Beran Recreation Center
*Logan Avenue Elementary
*White Auditorium
Mertens says while promoting physical health is a main component for the bike share program, they want to ensure all community members have access to bikes as Emporia has become a community known for biking. Mertens says as they approach the completion of the program more information will be released on how individuals can get involved and the requirements for taking part in the program.
For questions or more information visit Healthier Lyon County’s Facebook page.
In other business, commissioners were also presented with a review of the city Rural Housing Incentive District program. The review featured information from the 2019 Housing Needs Analysis.
City of Emporia housing specialist Jeff Lynch will discuss the presentation and RHID in more detail on Monday’s Talk of Emporia.
Discussions were also held regarding an update on Eastside Park, the sale of 810 Whittier Street and the rural water district. The Emporia City Commission will hold an action session next Wednesday at 7 pm inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
