By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council passed planned increases in water rates starting in 2023 at their meeting on Tuesday. In May 2022, a water rate study was completed.
"Revenue increases are necessary," said Public Works Director Brian Clennan. "But, they do align well with industry averages of around 5% a year."
Proposed water rates for 2023 through 2027 were discussed with the City Council in study sessions on May 24, 2022, and June 13, 2022. Staff recommended adopting a 5-year rate plan, with the opportunity to revisit the plan with Council if required during the annual budget process. That will likely be needed.
"In 2021, we had 82 water main breaks," Clennan said. "This year, through 11 months, we've had 69 water main breaks. We've got 96 miles or about a third of our water main system that was installed prior to 1950."
The City Council agreed to the proposed water rates. The new water rates will become effective on January 1, 2023.
The table below shows the proposed water rates for a residential customer using 500 cubic feet of water per month.
The graph below shows a regional comparison of residential water bills assuming a water use of 500 cubic feet per month. Hutchinson’s rates are regionally competitive.
