ROCK SPRINGS — The Rock Springs City Council is scheduled to host two public hearings to allow for public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget and a sewer rate increase.
In order to balance the budget, the city will transfer around $3.6 million from operational reserves to the general fund. This is less than the nearly $6.4 million the city had to move around last year to balance the FY 2021-22 budget.
“The cash and investments (cash carryover) anticipated to be available as of July 1, 2022, is based on our best predictions at this time. When the actual cash carryover amounts have been determined at fiscal year end, the budget may be revised through the amendment process,” Director of Administrative Service Matthew McBurnett said in a letter to the city.
Some position requests, including a recreation supervisor, a nuisance officer I, a city buildings maintenance mechanic II, a water systems operator I, two part-time lifeguards, and two part-time receptionists will be funded. However there are still several unfunded positions and many requests for funding positions that were denied, McBurnett’s letter states.
According to documents in the proposed Fiscal Year budget 2022-2023, “The budget also includes an anticipated 7 percent increase in water rates, and a 5 percent increase in sewer rates.”
Both the increase to sewer rates and proposed budget will be acted on at the Council’s meeting on Tuesday, June 21, at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
If the resolution is approved, the sewer rate increase will begin July 1. The minimum monthly sewer charge will increase from $13.74 to $14.42.
To review the entire budget, click here.
Other Business
The Council will also review a resolution amending and re-enacting Resolution 88-25 to establish water rates in the City of Rock Springs. According to the water rate increase proposal from the Joint Powers Water Board, the increase states water-usage charges will be increase by 6 cents per CCF (hundred cubic feet) over last year’s rates. “To illustrate the increase in the wholesale portion of the final water rate; the average household typically uses 10.1 CCF during low demand periods and 29.4 CCF during high demand.” “This 6-cent increase in wholesale rate, will equate to an increased cost of 61 cents and $1.76 per month, respectively.”
During presentations, the Council will listen to Devon Brubaker, Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport Direct, address an amendment needed to the FY 2020 Air Service Improvement Plan Cooperative Agreement. The Council will also act on a resolution approving this item later in the meeting.
The Council will also review a resolution declaring the intent of the City of Rock Springs to take all actions necessary in support of the continuation of the existing county-wide 2 percent Lodging Tax, to be used primarily for promoting local travel and tourism.
Click here to review the entire agenda.
