Corning looking at water, sewer rate increases

A public hearing is being scheduled for Corning residents to voice their feelings about a proposed increase to city provided water and sewer services.

During the City Council’s meeting on June 11 the council voted unanimously to approve city staff scheduling the public hearing on Aug. 13 to consider implementing two 10 percent rate increases for water, the first on Sept. 1, 2024, and the second on July 1, 2025.

City Manager Brandt Mesker said each increase would amount to $2.26 per residence.

The proposed sewer increase would be at 5 percent or $2.24, with the first implementation Sept. 1, and the second July 1, 2025.

Mesker said if the city doesn’t impose a rate increase for sewer services the sewer fund is projected to end the fiscal 2024/25 year with a deficit of $155,141, requiring the use of sewer capital reserves.

The same was said for the water fund, if there isn’t a rate increase the city will be looking at a $154,701 deficit.