The Philomath Finance and Administration Committee plans to meet at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23 with utility rates among the items of discussion.
The city does an annual utility rate review to determine if revenue is remaining in line with expenses and to help prepare for the next year’s budget. City staff projected the need for a 2% rate increase for both water and sewer to stay ahead of inflation. The city proposes that a utility rate study be done in 2023-24 following construction of the water treatment plant to help plan for future projects and other expenses.
There are no rate increases proposed for the street or storm drain fees.
The general fund fee is scheduled to sunset on June 30 and the committee will discuss next steps to take, such as preparing in ordinance that would repeal the fee through a municipal code amendment.
Also on the agenda, the committee will discuss American Rescue Plan Act funds and what to recommend to the Budget Committee in terms of allocation, elect a chair and vice chair, consider a 3% cost-of-living wage adjustment for nonunion employees, which includes managers, and review the city’s social service funding policy.
The meeting will be conducted through Zoom with indoor masking protocols in place. The public can watch the meeting in person at City Hall (mask required) or via live-stream on the city’s Facebook page.