City of Newton
NEWTON, Kan. — At Tuesday night’s meeting, the Newton City Commission adopted changes to City water and sewer rates that include gradual increases over the next several years.
Rates have remained flat for the past seven years, and operational costs have increased dramatically. In recent years, City staff have cut the utility budgets, postponed purchases, increased efficiencies, and drawn down reserve funds to meet the budget.
After a series of work sessions in the past few months, the City Commission on March 14 directed staff to bring back ordinances that eliminate the 38% Sewer Plant Upgrade Fee and stop paying off the plant loan early, keep the property-tax relief transfers to the General Fund intact, and gradually increase rates over the next few years to keep the utilities solvent.
The new rates will take effect in January 2024. The ordinances provide for six years of gradual increases, with a review at least every three years to determine if adjustments are needed. The utilities will still spend down reserves for the next few years.
The total utility bill (water/sewer/trash) for a user of 300 cubic feet of water is $96.21 today. In 2024, their bill will be $96.62. For a 600 cubic feet user, the total bill today is $151.32. In 2024, their bill will be $151.97.
The full rate schedule can be found on the City’s website.
Hutchinson increased water and sewer rates as of January 1, 2023, as well.
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