In January, the Wichita City Council could vote to raise storm water utility fees for city customers.
Most currently pay $3.50 a month. The fees fund the city's upkeep and replacement of existing storm water drainage infrastructure, like the canal along I-135 and the Big Ditch in west and south Wichita. It also funds the $36 million project underway on Bleckley Drive on the east side.
Gary Jansen from Public works says the city has done well with their $950 thousand in annual funding, but without changes, the fund will be in the red by 2033.
The council will have several options: no increase; increase the monthly fee by 15 cents next year; or increase it to $1 per month next year, then reduce it to 15 cents a month starting in 2027.