The Carroll City Council finalized rate hikes for two out of three proposed increases for customers, but officials delayed the final reading for the third to allow more time for public input. The council considered the second reading for increases to solid waste collection, stormwater, and water rates at its meeting on Tuesday, May 27. City Manager Aaron Kooiker says city officials had not received public comments on any of the suggested changes and explains the rationale behind the solid waste increase.
Kooiker made those comments during the May 12 meeting. The council voted unanimously to approve the second reading, waive the third, and adopt the ordinance. Public Works Director Randy Krauel outlines what is changing with the city’s stormwater utility rates.
The council again voted unanimously to approve the second reading, waive the third, and adopt the ordinance. The final proposal is a combined 27.4 percent increase in water rates over the next four years to help finance the Northwest Pressure Zone project. Ward 3 Councilman Kyle Bauer, who was the sole no vote during the ordinance’s first reading on May 12, says it is too steep of a hike too quickly for him to support.
Other council members also questioned the possibility of additional rate increases in the near future, which Kooiker says is unlikely.
The council voted 5-1, Bauer voting no, to approve the second reading. They opted to hold, rather than waive, the third reading, which is slated for the June 9 meeting, to allow additional time for public input. Rate changes for all three would go into effect on July 1.
