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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Chris Minick, Chief Financial Officer
Jason Bauer, Interim Director of Public Works
Bob Leible, Superintendent of Water Production
DATE: June 12, 2025
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Amending Article II of Chapter 48 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances Entitled "Municipal Utility Service" (Water and Sewer Rates) and establishing rates for said services.
PURPOSE:
To obtain the City Council's approval of a proposed ordinance that would adjust the city's rates for water and sewer service on July 1, 2025 and 2026.
BACKGROUND:
Historically, the city has adhered to the practice of adjusting its rates for water and sewer service moderately each year rather than imposing larger increases at irregular intervals. The rates are adjusted in order to keep pace with the cost increases associated with the operation and maintenance of the water and sewer systems within the city.
Staff proposes a modest rate adjustment in both 2025 and 2026 to address operational needs of the system and the implementation of the Capital Improvement Plan. This rate structure allows for a prudent level of funding for system operations and maintenance while simultaneously respecting and acknowledging inflationary trends.
A history of the city's Class 1 water and sewer service rates per 100 cubic feet of water consumed (i.e., the consumption charge rate) since 2014 is shown below.
Amount of Percentage
Effective Date Rate* Increase Increase
July 1, 2014 $4.65 $0.25 5.68%
July 1, 2015 $4.80 $0.15 3.23%
July 1, 2016 $4.95 $0.15 3.13%
July 1, 2017 $5.05 $0.10 2.02%
July 1, 2018 $5.15 $0.10 1.98%
July 1, 2019 $5.35 $0.20 3.88%
July 1, 2020* $5.35 $0.00 0.0%
July 1, 2021* $5.50 $0.15 2.80%
July 1, 2022 $5.80 $0.30 5.45%
July 1, 2023 $6.20 $0.40 6.90%
July 1, 2024 $6.60 $0.40 6.45%
*Rates deferred or reduced due to COVID 19 pandemic.
DISCUSSION:
In order to address the anticipated op...
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