Title
2026 Utility Operating Budget, Rates, Capital Facilities Plan and General Facility Charges
Recommended Action/UAC Deliverable:
Review staff's briefing on preliminary 2026 Operating Budgets, proposed utility rates, general facility charges (GFCs), and capital facilities plans and provide recommendations to City Council
Issue:
The Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) is asked to review the preliminary 2026 utility rates (including LOTT), operating budgets, capital facility plans (CFP) and General Facility Charges (GFCs). The UAC's recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for review on October 20th and for consideration during Council budget deliberations in November and December.
Staff Contact:
Gary Franks, Public Works Waste ReSources Director, 360.753.8780
Mike Vessey, Public Works Drinking Water Utility Director, 360.753.8318
Presenters:
Same as above
Background and Analysis:
The UAC conducts an annual review of the City's utility finances, customer rates, capital facilities plan, and general facilities charges (GFCs).
City Utilities deliver essential public health and environmental services through four enterprise-funded utilities:
* Drinking Water
* Wastewater
* Storm and Surface Water
* Waste ReSources (Solid waste)
The City also partners with LOTT Clean Water Alliance for regional wastewater treatment services.
Each utility plays a critical role in meeting community needs while complying with state and federal regulations. Core responsibilities include:
* Providing clean, reliable drinking water in sufficient quantity.
* Safely conveying wastewater to the LOTT Alliance for treatment and discharge.
* Managing solid waste and recycling systems by way of education and collection.
* Reducing flooding risks, improving water quality, and protecting aquatic habitat.
City utilities are enterprise funds, meaning they are fully funded by customer rates and fees. They do not receive general fund revenue, nor do utility revenues support general...
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