Public Works Director Gary Shimek presented three rate scenarios for 2027–2032—3%, 6% or 9% annually—saying higher scenarios enable more capital projects (water: 7/12/16; sewer: 14/18/19; storm: ~8) and reduce service risk. He urged public feedback to council.

The wastewater system requires more immediate investment, the consultant said, and the study recommends a roughly 9% annual increase over the next four years to fund improvements and regulatory compliance work.

City staff presented a draft $67–68 million budget including $29M general fund and $23.5M utility fund, recommended a tentative tax rate near 38.11¢ to generate about $115,000 and proposed utility and sanitation rate adjustments to smooth future increases.

Council adopts operating budget and approves utility rate increase for Clearwater residents.

Trustees adopted the 2026 budget and property tax levy (2.81% increase; roughly $78 on an average $340,000 home), approved several related resolutions, and heard public comment about beekeeping permit fees. The board also discussed proposed sewer and water rate increases tied to a Public Service Commission decision.

On Nov. 3, Woodland City Council voted to keep the city’s ad valorem tax rate at the prior-year level (Ordinance 1581, first reading), approved phased water/sewer/stormwater rate increases (13% in 2026 and 13% in 2027), and adopted resolutions to use investment and reserve funds to pay down or retire municipal loans for water filters 2 and 3.

City officials discuss significant sewer utility capital costs and justify rate increases.

The council introduced and adopted a slate of ordinances and budgets including several General Improvement District (GID) budgets, capital and tax-levy ordinances, a raise to the E-911 surcharge, and proposed 2026 water and sewer rate increases.

The Dubuque City Council unanimously adopted an amended FY2027 budget that keeps the city property tax rate unchanged and approves several utility rate increases and a multi-year capital plan. Council members pledged a review of administrative overhead allocation after widespread public concern.

Council approved first reading of the proposed FY27 budget, a $111 million plan that includes a 3.3% cost‑of‑living salary increase, 30 new positions, a property tax millage change from 98.1 to 101.3 mills, and proposed water and sewer rate increases to mirror wholesale adjustments.

City staff told council the city is running ahead of budget this year on sales tax and projects a conservative FY27 plan that assumes 1% sales tax growth, 6% property tax base growth and a $33 million bond issuance to finish major water and sewer projects; staff warned of planned utility rate increases and a projected 3% COLA for employees.

City staff outlined a financing plan of about $27.4 million for water and sewer plant projects and proposed utility rate changes that staff says would raise roughly $1.1 million annually. Council members asked staff to run multi-year "stair-step" rate options and brought up using impact fees as a bridge; no ordinance or bond sale was approved at 10

Prepare for Elevated Summer Electricity Costs Nationwide, electricity consumers are likely to see increased bills this summer, potentially exceeding those of the previous year. A combination of factors is driving this projected price hike, affecting both homes and businesses. A key contributor to the rising costs is the increased price of natural gas. Global demand and geopolitical events are impacting natural gas prices, which subsequently increases the expenses utilities face when generating electricity. This summer's anticipated extreme weather conditions will further stress the power grid. Extended periods of intense heat compel greater reliance on air conditioning, significantly boosting electricity demand and pushing wholesale prices upward. Persistent disruptions in the supply chain are also affecting the energy sector. Difficulties in acquiring necessary equipment and materials needed for power plant upkeep and improvements may reduce efficiency and raise operational expenses. The cost of coal, while declining in overall usage, remains a factor in electricity generation and its rising price contributes to the anticipated higher bills. Preliminary electricity rate increases are already appearing in some states, and utility companies are alerting customers to expect higher costs. Consumers are encouraged to reduce energy consumption through methods like utilizing energy-efficient appliances, modifying thermostat settings, and minimizing unnecessary electricity use.

City staff presented a preliminary FY2026–27 budget showing a $295,677 general-fund deficit, projected reserves of about $3.2 million (58%), a planned 25% water rate increase in March 2027 and multi-year wastewater increases; council gave direction to retain parks funding and to workshop project prioritization.

Director Welling presents significant cost pressures leading to proposed rate hikes for water and sewer.

Council discusses regulatory impacts on water treatment costs and plans for future funding.

Council members discuss adopting a phased approach to utility rate increases over five years.