Kalona is one step closer to increasing sewer and water rates for residents. The Kalona City Council decided to move forward with an increase in the flat rates that are associated with sewer and water billing. The proposal is the flat rate for water will rise 34 cents to $11.64 a month, and sewer will go up 37 cents to $12.47 a month.

City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh explains the city’s motivation to increase rates, “This is probably more just a standard 3% [increase] to marry up with our expenses that continue to go up just through normal cost of business. We did not do anything last year with the belief that we were going through the garbage transition, and we didn’t feel it was appropriate at that time that we did an increase on water and sewer.”

The increase will give the city an additional $10,000 in revenue. The last time rates were increased was 2016 when the city approved a 3.5% jump. The council must first pass three readings of the ordinance and hold a public hearing before residents will see a change in their bill. Schlabaugh said the goal is to have the increase take effect in July.