The Emporia City Commission is nearing adoption of the 2020 budget — with utility rate increases now likely — and now considering lending support to a community-wide initiative.
Commissioners held their final review of the 2020 budget during their Wednesday morning study session. The overall budget total will be as high as $44 million with a total of $21 million committed to the general fund. Mayor Jon Geitz tells KVOE News the current budget will keep the mill levy flat, however, residents can expect to see a $6 monthly rate increase for utilities.
Commissioners may increase wastewater and sewer fees as much as 10 percent, water rates 8 percent and stormwater fees 3 percent.
Geitz points to projects such as the recent work on the water and wastewater treatment plants as factors for the increases.
Geitz says future investments such as repairs, advancements and retrofitting all play factors in setting rates as well. Three years ago, commissioners approved a plan to increase certain utility fees in stages as the scope of repairs to the Wastewater Treatment Plant became clear.
If the budget is approved as is, residents will see rate increases for the second straight year. Last fall, well after the overall budget was set, city commissioners approved an 8-percent increase to water rates, a 10-percent hike in wastewater rates and a 5-percent bump in solid waste fees. At the time, the city estimated residents would see a $2 monthly increase per category. Those fee increases helped to offset water line repair costs.
The City Commission will consider adopting the overall budget as presented during their August 7 action session in two weeks. A decision on utility fees may not come until December.
In addition to the budget review, representatives from Ignite Emporia were also in attendance to seek support from the commission. Ignite Emporia is a five-year initiative which seeks to grow Emporia, create jobs and expand current business and industries among other goals.
Jeff Williams presented the request of a $150,000 contribution from the commission to help support the initiatives of the campaign. Williams says as the job market is ever-expanding, it is essential to keep local students informed of the opportunities available to them in the community which they live.
Mayor Geitz says he is in favor of supporting the program as it dovetails off many of the commission’s own goals. However, Geitz says he — and other commissioners — are hesitant to enter into a multi-year agreement and would prefer to commit on an annual basis. Geitz explains his reluctance is not directed at Ignite Emporia but rather ongoing pledges. He adds he would “not take it well” if upon joining the commission he had his hands tied by a commitment made by a previous commission.
The commission has taken the proposal under consideration and will render a decision at a later time.
The Emporia City Commission will next convene on Wednesday, August 7 at 1 pm inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
