Utility rate increases were already part of the Emporia City Commission’s planned discussion as part of the board’s regular action session Wednesday, but Monday’s announcement of Tyson ending all local operations will give that conversation an extra emphasis.
Commissioners have been discussing a possible 10-percent, almost-across-the-board increase in utility rates in public for several weeks and are poised to take action Wednesday morning. The increases are seen as a way to offset a range of increasing costs and decreasing reserves.
How the wind-down of Tyson over the next two months will impact city revenue streams has not been announced, but it is considered one of the city’s largest consumers of water.
In separate agenda items, commissioners could approve a tax abatement agreement for Camso, also known locally as Michelin, for the business’ move from its current location at 1601 East South to 841 Overlander Road, as well as a related resolution approving the property’s sale as it was financed with over $3 million in city revenue bonds.
Also, there is a 30-minute executive session planned for performance evaluation.
The study meeting agenda will include a discussion on brick streets in the city limits and an update on the work of Emporia’s Economic Development Committee.
The action meeting begins at 11 am Wednesday at the Municipal Court Room. The study meeting follows at White Auditorium City Conference Room 1AB.
