WATER FUND
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS:
REVENUE CHANGES:
In accordance with the most recent rate study, the metered rate increases to $5.51 per 1,000 gallons, and the fixture rates increase to $2.10 per equivalent fixture. These rate increases generate $544,720 in additional revenue. The estimated number of gallons used remains level for FY 24. Revenue from water connections is expected to remain the same in FY 24. Capacity, or Impact fees were enacted in FY 2005 and were increased to $126 per fixture in the FY 11 budget. Capacity fees are anticipated to result in $120,204 to fund Water department capital projects.
PERSONNEL CHANGES:
Twenty-one full-time positions are included in the Water Fund. A step increase effective January 1, 2024 has been funded. Three additional positions are currently shared with the Wastewater Fund. They are: an Office Associate, a Purchasing Technician and a SCADA Technician. Interdepartmental labor for the use of Public Works’ manpower, has been budgeted at $55,000. Deductions have been made from Public Works for like amounts. Overtime costs are estimated to increase $3,000 for FY 24. Health insurance costs are funded at a lower level than in FY 23, while retirement and worker’s compensation increase. No funding has been included for retiree health.
CHANGES IN OPERATIONS:
The Contracted Services line item includes professional and contracted services. Professional Services, which include engineering services and tank painting inspection services are budgeted at $96,300, a reduction of $22,500 from the FY 23 adopted budget. The FY 24 budget includes funding for a Water and Wastewater rate study. Contracted Services includes $50,000 for hydrant painting, an ongoing project first funded in FY 21. The Maintenance line item includes costs for building and equipment maintenance. Painting the 42nd street water tank was funded in FY 23 at $700,000. No tank painting has been included in FY 24. Plant building and equipment maintenance have been budgeted at $454,936. HVAC repairs not covered by the contract have been included at $30,000. Routine equipment maintenance, such as well maintenance, has also been included in this category and totals $308,493. Routine well maintenance has been funded at $120,000. Inspection and repair of the chlorination equipment has been budgeted at $20,000, and rebuilding of the backwash pump at 15th street has been included at $44,529. Costs for Supplies and Materials are expected increase $397,228 in FY 24. Water chemicals are budgeted at $821,256. Supplies for repairs to water pipes, fire hydrants and valves are included at $250,000, an increase of $50,000. Energy costs are expected to increase in FY 24. Vehicle fuel has been budgeted at the average number of gallons used for the past three years, and has been funded at $40,938. Vehicle parts and labor costs are expected to increase. Intragovernmental allocations increase for IT Services and General Overhead and decrease for radio lease and insurance. Debt service costs decrease $52,795 or this fund. Transfer to capital projects includes $500,000 for water main upgrades, $400,000 for a hydrant project, and $517,795 for water meter replacement. An F250 ¾ ton pickup truck has been funded through Vehicle Trust.