GRAND ISLAND — Grand Island residents will soon see rate increases in their wastewater, electric, and water bills.
Grand Island City Council approved the rate increases Tuesday night, June 11, by 8-0 votes. Council members Michelle Fitzke and Doug Lanfear were absent.
JK Energy Consulting of Smithfield had done a study for the city regarding the rates.
The wastewater rate will increase 6 percent on Oct. 1, followed by 6 percent on Oct. 1, 2025, and 6 percent on Oct. 2026.
The last time the city implemented an electric rate increase was in 2007, according to a memo to the council from Ryan Schmitz. The electric rate will increase by 6 percent on Oct. 1 and by 3 percent on Oct. 1, 2025.
The last time the city had a water rate increase was in fiscal year 2017. The water rate will increase by 7.4 percent on Oct. 1 and by 7 percent on Oct. 1, 2025.
In another matter, the City Council voted 8-0 to approve a bid from Rogge General Contractors of Lincoln to construct a new Fire Station 3 for $5,041,000. The city received seven bids for the project. In addition to the construction bid, there is an additional cost of $319,825 for architectural and design services. Total known cost for the project is approximately $5.5 million. The project will be paid for through general fund cash reserves and the possibly bond proceeds.
The City Council approved a salary ordinance for city employees. Changes were mentioned for the information technology and Police Departments. The IT Department would add an Enterprise and Systems Administrator classification and add a GIS Administrator classification. The Police Department would switch a part-time Evidence Technician position to a Community Service Officer Lead and Evidence Technician Lead.
The City Council appointed Daryl Kelley and Nelly Venegas to the Grand Island Public Library Board. Kelley is a retired UNK Sociology Professor. Venegas is current executive director of the Literacy Council of Grand Island. The City Council recognized outgoing Board members Tanya Hansen and Jame Parr.
