Water, sewer rates get final OK by City Council

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

McCOOK, Neb. — Water and sewer rates will go up as approved unanimously Monday night by the McCook City Council.

The rate increases were approved on their third and final reading and were recommended by the financial management firm, PFM Financial Advisors, based on moderate inflationary increases, trends in water usage and planned capital purchases. PDF recommended for this year and in upcoming years small, incremental increases for both departments.

Water rates will increase by three percent and sewer rates, two percent. The last increase was six years ago, in 2012, noted McCook City Manager, Nate Schneider. He added that the increases will have no impact on city sales tax dollars as the water and sewer are enterprise funds, funded by user fees.

According to the analysis done by PFM, water sales and customer growth are estimated not to increase and operating expenses are estimated to grow by 7 percent. The three percent increase in water will increase annual revenue by $80,000, assuming usage remains somewhat constant for 2018-19. The two percent increase in sewer rates will generate around $61,000 of new revenue for 2018-19.

The council also approved unanimously on its third and final reading an ordinance that authorizes the sale of a 50 feet by 40 feet lot on West A Street owned by the city, previously used as a playground, to Ryan Bradley. Bradley made an offer of $5,000 to purchase the property, based on a marketing profile he paid for.

Mayor Michael Gonzales said during “Council Comments” that on Halloween, he had 943 trick-or-treaters, not counting pets or adults. It was one of safer Halloweens he’s seen, Gonzales said, noting patrol cars monitored the area and kids were respectful of traffic when walking across the islands. “I heard no squealing of tires,” he said.

After the regular meeting, the council convened in closed executive session, for the protection of public interest, for a strategy session with respect to collective bargaining - the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 57. There was no action taken after the session.

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