The majority of the most recent Adel City Council meeting was spent in discussion of the City’s water, sanitary sewer, and storm water rates.

The topic was first raised in a public hearing, during which five members of the community voiced their opinions regarding the water rates. Each bemoaned the high cost of water service, which they said didn’t take into account their actual water usage. City officials explained later in the meeting that in 2017 the City introduced “Community Initiative” surcharges, or “C” charges, to fund major utility infrastructure projects. Those rates were phased in over three years, and helped pay for the City’s new water plant.

However, as unrest in the community grew over the water costs, people began to ask for a volumetric rate system. Council members Rob Christensen and Jodi Selby led the argument for volumetric, saying it treats residents more fairly than the “C” plan. They pointed out that the latter option negatively impacted the customers who consume the least, which represents over 80% of the City’s total customer base. On the other side of the argument were Council members Bob Ockerman and Shirley McAdon, who emphasized that the City still has water infrastructure needs that the “C” charges are instrumental in funding. They also highlighted that volumetric rates would adversely affect the high-volume users, which includes the school district and local manufacturers.

The swing vote ended up being Councilman Dan Miller, who said while he understood the merits of the current system, he didn’t want to continue charging residents for water they weren’t using. The Council voted 3-2 in favor of shifting to volumetric rates, which will be phased in now through September. With the current water rates set to expire in July, the Council also approved their extension through August. Anyone with questions about the water policy is encouraged to reach out to Adel City Hall at 515-993-4525.