Department of Finance
Reference: 2026 Utility Rate and Impact Fee Proposal
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Michael P. Martinez, City Manager
Prepared By: Catrina Asher, Director of Finance
Scott Olsen, Director of Utilities
Date Prepared: August 26, 2025
PURPOSE
To propose updates to utility rates and impact fees to be effective January 1, 2026.
BACKGROUND
Annually, staff review multi year financial models for various funds and consider rates and fees for various services. When appropriate, rate studies are conducted with the assistance of qualified consulting firms to help determine appropriate fees and rates based on the cost of providing services.
The attached presentation outlines staff’s recommendations for updates to various utility rates and impact fees. The presentation states when the most recent rate studies were performed, what rates were suggested by those studies, and what rates staff are recommending.
CRITERIA BY WHICH COUNCIL MUST CONSIDER THE ITEM
Rates and fees are set at levels that do not exceed the actual cost of provided the services those rates and fees are paying for. The fees recommended are at levels that staff feel will support ongoing services to customers as the City grows and are forecasted to support the financial sustainability of the City’s funds.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Fees proposed are set to cover the cost of services and are necessary for the provision of services to the community.
Attachments:
Ø Presentation