Emporia residents can expect a rate hike in wastewater fees in the coming year.
This comes as Emporia City Commissioners approved a six percent across the board increase for both the base rate and consumption rate during their final action meeting of the year Wednesday. The increases are being made in an effort to help cover the cost of the city’s loan repayment for the wastewater treatment plant.
Discussions on the topic began back on Dec. 8 after a proposal by City Treasurer Janet Harouff. Harouff says while Wednesday’s approval was not for the originally proposed increase of $2 per meter and an 8 percent rate increase, it will still provide the funds needed to cover the loan cost.
Also Wednesday, commissioners discussed a proposed five-year increase plan at length but ultimately decided on approving just a one-year increase at this time. That being said, Mayor Rob Gilligan explains that additional rate increases will occur in the coming years.
The rate increase will go into effect on Feb. 1.
In other business, commissioners also approved an across the board $2 increase for all green fees at the Emporia Municipal Golf Course.
Wednesday’s action session came directly after the city’s regularly scheduled study session. During that time, commissioners tackled a number of subjects including the establishment of a stormwater utility fee, a partnership with Emporia State University to financially support increased student recruitment and a review of the 2022 legislative statement.
