Rate increases are coming across the board for water, wastewater and solid waste customers at the start of the new year.
Per approval by Emporia City Commissioners Wednesday, the following rate increases will be implemented starting January 1, 2025, with another round of increases coming on January 1, 2026.
The full breakdown is as follows:
*Water fund – 10 percent rate increase for consumption and base rate in 2025 with changes to the fund’s first tier changing from 10,000 gallons to 2,000 gallons at a $6 rate with the “very top tier” being eliminated in 2026. Additional tiers will continue with the same rate in 2025. Also in 2026, meter charges will double for meters larger than 3 inches between 2025 and 26.
*Waste Water – 10 percent increase for both consumption and base rate in 2025 with an additional 10 percent increase in 2026.
*Solid waste—Poly cart, dumpster, roll-off, and landfill charges will Increase across the board in 2025, with an additional 10 percent increase in 2026. Roll-off rental fees will increase 15 percent in 2026, and landfill charges will increase by 20 percent.
According to City Finance Director Janet Harouff, there are several causes for the increases in each fund.
City Commissioner Becky Smith noted just ahead of Wednesday’s vote to approve the increases that the city did not want to take this step, unfortunately, it is necessary to set the city up for future success.
One thing that did not impact Wednesday’s decision, somewhat surprisingly, was the announcement of Emporia’s Tyson plant’s closure next year. Commissioners held virtually no discussions on the matter in relation to the utility increases despite Tyson being one of the city’s largest customers.
The reason for that lack of discussion, according to Commissioner Tyler Curtis, is the fact that while Tyson is a major consumer it is not the city’s largest.
Just because the Tyson closure did not impact Wednesday’s decision does not mean it won’t be a factor in utility rate matters in the future according to Harouff.
In other action business Wednesday, commissioners approved a tax rebate agreement between Camso, also known as Michelin, the city and Lyon County for property on Overlander. This action followed similar action by county commissioners last week. For further details click here.
Commissioners also approved an ordinance authorizing the transfer of a related resolution approving the property’s sale as it was financed with over $3 million in city revenue bonds. Following a 30-minute executive session commissioners also approved an extension of City Manager Trey Cocking’s contract.
During their regular study meeting, commissioners received an update on the work of the economic development committee with Commissioner Tyler Curtis seeking approval of an official “charge” for the committee to move forward with in coming months. Commissioners agreed and approved several objectives for the committee. We have attached a copy of the proposed charge below.
Commissioners also discussed brick streets in the city limits and reviewed and approved rates for the Emporia Golf Course.
The Emporia City Commission will next convene on Wednesday, December 18 at 11 am inside of the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
Emporia City Commission charge for economic development committee.
The Economic Development Advancement Committee shall:
1. Create a working definition for economic development related to Emporia/Lyon County
2. Review the organizational objectives and metrics outlined in the VisionFirst report.
3. Clarify objectives and metrics for each organization represented.
a. City of Emporia
b. Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce
c. Emporia Enterprises
d. Emporia Main Street
e. Emporia State University
f. Flint Hills Technical College
g. Lyon County
h. Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas
i. Visit Emporia
4. Recommend a final list of objectives and metrics to the city commission and county commission.
5. Generate a list of potential collaborative efforts among the organizations represented as ideas for how these entities could better partner to drive agreed-upon objectives.
6. Recommend next steps to city and county commissions.
Timeline: Present final report in May, 2025.
