Oskaloosa Water Department Approves 5% Rate Increase
Oskaloosa, Iowa – At their monthly meeting on Tuesday afternoon, the Oskaloosa Water Board approved a 5% increase for ratepayers. The increase will take effect on March 1st.
Resolution #1701, Resolution to Increase Water Rates Effective March 1, 2017 was passed on a 4-0 vote by the board after hearing from the board’s financial advisors about the challenges the budget will face.
Water Board President Mike Vore in the January meeting had expressed his desire to see a 5% increase over a 7.5% increase. Vore stated that he thought that, given increases to water and wastewater, it was prudent to develop the budget based upon a 5% increase.
“I think [that], based upon the information we have received, 5% is a reasonable rate increase”, said board member Brad Hodges, while analyzing current and future needs.
A potential 7.5% rate increase could be possible next fiscal year, over a 5% rate increase, but board members will evaluate that increase next year, when they reevaluate the water department’s finances.
The city water consumption has progressively decreased, and rates have been increased to offset the lower amount of water being sold to ratepayers.
The decreased consumption comes at no surprise to both the city and water departments. As costs rise, individuals use less, and purchase more efficient appliances.