Consider and take appropriate action on Ordinance O-26-25, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Kaufman, Texas, repealing Ordinance No. O-21-24 and amending Section A8.002, “Water Rates”, and Section A8.003, “Sewer Rates”, of Article A8.000, “Utilities”, of Appendix A, “Fee Schedule”, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Kaufman to adopt increased rates for water and sewer services; providing for the incorporation of premises; providing amendments; providing a severability clause;

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

The City conducted a rate study to evaluate the water and sewer rates. Water utility rate studies provide transparency into what the utility fund can expect in the years ahead. It further helps ensure the City has the financial resources needed to meet the budget, maintain infrastructure, grow the distribution system, explore new technologies, and implement the capital improvement plan (CIP). The recommendation from the rate study determined a need to increase the water and sewer rates for residential, commercial, public schools, multi-unit residential, multi-unit commercial, and senior accounts by 8%.

This motion is scored as EXPANDS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 6.7/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, measures that increase tax rates or fee schedules, issue new debt or Certificates of Obligation, expand regulatory/zoning restrictions on private land use, or authorize unbudgeted spending expansions reduce an official's Freedom Score when voted YES (and reward dissenting NO votes).