MIN 11-20-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Motion made by President Litten to refer docket items 17 through 29 to the Finance Committee, seconded by Councilmember Bullock. All in favor, motion passed. Docket items #17-#29 referred to Finance Committee. 30. Communication from Mayor George regarding water and sewer rates for 2024-2028. (pg. 105) Mayor Goerge read the first paragraph of the above referenced communication. She added that the City’s Consultant Lou McMahon was present at the meeting to provide a high-level overview of the proposed water and sewer rate changes. Mr. McMahon explained that part of the IWWIP was a financing plan that outlined how the city was going to fund sewer infrastructure improvements. The finance plan determined a 4 percent annual increase in user rates, with the guiding principles that rate increases remain predictable, equitable, and affordable to the greatest extent possible. Since that was enacted, Council also approved an impervious surface fee which contributed to the equity of the rate structures by charging users based on the runoff from their property. He said we are in an inflationary environment, so it is important to stay on top on the rates, and the ordinances maintain the 4 percent increase over the next five years as well as increases the impervious surface fee by a dollar per year up to 5 dollars per year. He said these increases will bring Lakewood to the middle of the pack in terms of water and sewer rates compared to neighboring communities, while giving us the financial means to sustain the necessary work. He said that the administration’s use of ARPA funds has also helped considerably to keep rates down and prevented using up borrowing capacity. He added that Lakewood is ahead of the curve on integrated planning and recognized by the EPA as a great example for midsize communities. In response to a question from Councilmember Rader, Mr. McMahon explained that the rate increases areacross the board for all users (both commercial and residential). President Litten commented that Council allocated $25 million of ARPA funds towards the effort as a means to mitigate increases over time. He stated that the consent decree ought to de-politicize the increase in rates as we are required by law to carry out the plan. In response to a question from Councilmember Bullock, Mr. McMahon clarified that all residential properties in Lakewood are deemed to have one equivalent residential unit (ERU) of impervious surface area since the lots are all somewhat similar in size. For commercial properties the actual square footage of impervious surface area is calculated and charged accordingly. th Mr. McMahon said that on the December 11 meeting when they talk about comparable communities, they can also gather information to discuss what the experience of Lakewood and other communities has been in regard to the impervious surface fee. He also committed to breaking down information in regard to the collections to date of the impervious surface fee. Motion made by President Litten to receive and file the communication, seconded by Councilmember Bullock. All in favor, motion passed. 9