Basic Charge For Water Rates To Increase

Oskaloosa Water Board – February 12, 2018

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Oskaloosa Water Board met on Monday, February 12, 2018.

On the agenda was consideration of a 5% rate increase, which will become effective on March 1st, 2018.

The board discussed different options available to them with the 5% rate increase.

The first option was a flat 5% increase to the water rates across the board.

The second option would increase the rates inside city limits by 5% to bring the minimum charge up to $14.14 per month, and in addition, consumers would pay $7.07 for 100 cubic feet of water beyond the first 200 cubic feet of water which is included in the minimum charge.

Currently, the minimum charge in the city of Oskaloosa for water is $13.46, and double that amount for those outside the city limits.

The option will also then bring the MCRF facility up to full rate, from their current half-rate costs. ‘Because we cannot have discrimination in rates,” said Water Department Manager Chad Coon.

This option has the larger financial implications for the water department but equalizes all rates inside and outside the city limits of Oskaloosa for all customer classes.

This model would see a decrease in the water departments budget of approximately $76,000 on sales outside city limits.

The third option to be considered by the board would freeze rates for double-monthly class, which is outside city limits, and all other ratepayers would see a 5% increase.

The board chose the second option and approved. The new rates will take effect on March 1st, 2018.