GILLETTE, Wyo. – The Gillette City Council has called for a public hearing on proposed utility rate changes that will take place during a special meeting on March 14.
The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at Gillette City Hall where the council is prepared to hear from members of the public on a plan to generate $7.9 million in additional revenue over the next three fiscal years by increasing utility rates.
Changes to the city’s utility rates were suggested through a third-party rate study conducted in late 2022 the results of which were presented to the council in February 2023.
The study recommended the city increase utility rates within the Power Fund by 5%, 2.5%, and 2.5% in fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively, according to the city.
Rate increases were also recommended within the Sewer Fund by 10% each year for the next three consecutive fiscal years. This recommendation assumes $4.8 million will be budgeted from the General Fund to pay off a 2008 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan, the city says.
The study also advised the city to increase rates within their water fund by 10% each year for the next two years and then 3.5% every year after which the city says will be applied to its distribution rates.
Following the public hearing, the city council plans to vote on the proposed rate increases.
