MUD votes to keep residential sewer rates as-is

8:23 p.m. Feb. 10, 2026

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

A proposal to lower residential sewer rates by $2 did not pass at the MUD board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Board members were split between helping customers save money and maintaining a stable budget for the long term.

After raising the issue in January, board member Glen Thomas moved on Tuesday to approve the rate cut, saying it would have a minimal impact on finances. Using January numbers, he said the change would reduce monthly revenue by about $1,253, or $66,487 a year, and would affect only residential customers.

Board member Greg Guinn wondered if even a small drop in revenue could cause budget problems later. He noted that the utility is close to its budget target and warned that lowering rates before the next budget is set could result in a deficit.

With a new budget starting in July and big expenses, including $500,000 in bond payments and new projects, several members said it would be better to wait on any rate changes until the full financial plan is ready.

The board also discussed other cost uncertainties, such as price changes for chemicals and treatment services, which the utility purchases on the open market without long-term contracts. Members said these uncertainties make it difficult to determine whether current revenue will be sufficient in the future, even though past audits showed the sewer system generated more revenue than it spent on operations.

Thomas replied that customers should not have to pay more than necessary and noted that, in past years, revenues had been higher than expected. He also raised concerns about a recent rate study and said the system should prioritize essential needs over optional spending or large expansion projects.

After discussion, the board voted 3 to 2 against lowering the rates, with Thomas and Darrel Richards in favor and Guinn, Charles Johnston, and Barry Posluszny against.

The board agreed to take a deeper dive into the sewer rates during the next budget process, when more financial information will be available.