SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council met Monday night and Councilwoman Megan Weber announced her resignation at the end of Monday night’s council meeting, effective immediately. She and her family are moving out of the city limits.
The council also approved Ordinance No. 22-07 amending the existing water rates ordinance to clearly state that a base monthly charge will be levied in addition to usage charges going forward.
Roughly 65-80% of South Hutchinson's standard residential customers on a 5/8-inch meter pay less than $13.13 a month for water service. That group of residents will see an increase of up to $6.56 per month depending upon usage. Those billed more than $13.13 per month will see a maximum increase of $6.56 per month on their bill.
Other residential and commercial customers on different rate plans will see their base monthly charges change as well, depending upon their rate code classification.
The council also discussed water and sewer rates in general and agreed that water rates should be increased. No decision was made, but the council asked City Administrator Joseph Turner to put together a proposal that would increase rates and bring them up to the state average over the next three years.
Sewer rates have not increased since Jan 1, 2018 and the council does not anticipate any significant increases to wastewater in 2023.