The Centralia City Council Thursday night will consider water and sewer rate increases.
City Manager Kory Smith says since the rates are tied to the consumer price index, there will be a 2.9-percent increase in each fund. That’s down from the 7.7-percent increase in 2022 and 6.9-percent in 2023.
Smith is also recommending an increase in the water filtration plant replacement surcharge rate. The current 50-cent surcharge for those inside the city limit will go to $1.00 and $1.25 in 2025 and future years. The current outside-the-city rate will go from 75 cents to $1.25 in 2024 and $1.50 in 2025 and future years. The proceeds will help pay for Centralia’s new water treatment plant which is scheduled to go out for bids as early as the end of next year.
The council will be asked to change ordinances to accommodate the Paid Leave for All Workers law that takes effect January first as well as other conflicts in the city’s personnel policy with state law.
A contract with Placer.ai for professional services, data collection, and data analysis will come before the city council to assist with economic development efforts, primarily retail recruitment and business attraction. The fee for 2024 will be $20,000.
The council will be asked to approve a five-year plan for improvements to the Centralia Municipal Airport. Projects include easement acquisitions, obstruction removals, and runway rehabilitations that qualify for funding.
The council will receive the final report from the pool committee which is recommending no new outdoor pool or splash pad be pursued at the present time.
The meeting begins at six on Thursday night at Centralia City Hall.
