The Wichita City Council has approved water and sewer rate and fee adjustments for 2023, along with rate relief for eligible customers.
A one-time $36 credit will be available to water accounts that received assistance from city programs in 2022, with an income below 80% of the area median income.
The combined 4.95 percent rate increase is necessary in part to fund the construction of two large projects: the Northwest Water Facility and the Biological Nutrient Removal plant. Beginning next year, a household using 3,750 gallons of water or less per month would see an increase of $2.34 on their monthly bill. A household using 7,500 gallons of water per month would see an increase of $3.54.
The council originally discussed the item at their October 18 meeting but deferred a vote until staff had a chance to study ways to provide rate relief.
The council also approved a 3-year contract agreement with city transit staff. The new agreement covers 90 employees, who will receive a 4 percent general pay adjustment and a 2.5 percent merit step increase on their anniversary date. Pay adjustments of 2 percent and a 2.5 percent merit step increase will occur in 2024 and 2025 as well.
If the employee worked during the pandemic, they will also receive a $1 thousand bonus.