Knox City Council Discusses Water Rate Study

Back Row: Greg Matt, Mayor Rick Chambers, Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston, Donald Kring, City Attorney David Matsey. Front Row: Linda Berndt, Jeff Berg and Ron Parker

The Knox City Council discussed the need to do a Water Rates Study. Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston explained the situation to the Council.

“We’re asking Umbaugh to do a study on the last three calendar years to determine the trends and the amounts of revenue that we have for the operation, maintenance, cash expenses, debt service requirements in the water department. They will also come up with a capital improvement plan so that we know that we have enough money in the future to cover whatever we need.”

The Council did sign an agreement this week so the project can begin.

“I think it’s a good thing. If we ever do need an increase it won’t be a large one. We would be able to make it small and in increments if it’s needed.”

Umbaugh and Associates was also contracted to do a general fund study. A relatively small investment of about $3,000 a couple of years ago on the TIF district resulted in over $200,000 to the city.