2024 City Budget, Utility Rates, Wastewater Line Replacement, 5th South Sidewalk

2024 City Budget

After much discussion, analysis, and the public hearing, the city council passed the 2024 budget.

The mayor, city staff, and the council take seriously their responsibility to use wisely the money the city receives from residents and other sources.

Here is a summary of the budget.

And speaking of money, here is news that always pinches a little: the utility rate increases for the year.

Utility Rate Adjustments

The utility rates haven't been keeping pace with actual costs and inflation for a number of years, and, as I'll mention in the next section below, the rates haven't been building up enough reserve for future maintenance or projects.

It's tempting to want to be able to tell residents "no utility rate increases again this year!" But, if the rates don't keep up, then at some point in the future the city will get hit with a need for a big rate increase or major bond or similar funding process to pay for needed maintenance. It's a balance to keep the rates as low as possible, but sufficient for current and upcoming needs.

Here are the new rates beginning Oct. 1st, 2023.

And on a related note:

Wastewater Line Replacement

As I've mentioned in other posts over the last year or so, the wastewater line from Sugar to Moody Hwy and from Moody into Rexburg have to be replaced. Sugar's wastewater is processed in Rexburg, and they are moving forward with a much needed upgrade project.

The current lines are concrete and 40+ years old and in bad shape. The new lines won't be concrete and will have a much longer expected life cycle.

The line from Moody to Rexburg is in the most need of immediate work. It would be great if the city had enough money set aside to simply pay for this project. Maintenance and repair projects such as these are reasons for the city to reasonably keep up with costs as we consider utility rates each year.

The city is still discussing probable and possible funding options. The most likely scenario will be a combination of direct funding from the city's utility reserves, a small grant, and a very low interest loan that the city will pay off over the course of a number of years. I'll keep you updated as this goes forward.

5th South Sidewalk

Work on the sidewalk that will run along the north side of 5th South is scheduled to begin the last week of September. It will be a great safe east-west route.

Sugar City is a wonderful place to live! I appreciate talking with other residents about the past, the present, and the future of this great city. If you have questions or concerns, please come to city council meetings and share your thoughts with us during public comment time. Or, of course, you can stop by or call the city or contact me or any other member of the city council or the mayor or city staff. Thanks!

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