Rexburg utility rates to increase 1.5 percent

The Rexburg City Council has approved a tentative fiscal year 2014 budget of $51,063,400. The proposal reflects an increase of $139,700 from the city’s original 2013 budget.

Utility rates will increase about 1.5 percent for the average homeowner or about $1.34 per month due to the increased costs of wastewater and sanitation services. Water rates will not be adjusted.

City Treasurer Richard Horner said property tax revenues will increase by about $201,800. That is due to assessments on newly constructed buildings.

The general fund includes a $100 thousand contingency for unforseen expenses or revenue losses. It is funded by excess carryover reserves expected by the end of fiscal year 2013.

The council is expecting to spend $2,404,200 on street maintenance projects. The city will budget $2,500,000 for a new water well and tank, and a $3,500,000 project to eliminate odors and increase capacity at its wastewater treatment plant.

Rexburg has planned $1,424,000 for reconstruction of its airport taxiway and apron. 92% will be funded by the Federal Aviation Administration and the State of Idaho and the remainder by the city and Madison County.

The city plans to spend $490,000 on a replacement fire engine, $280,000 for two new ambulances, $377,000 for a wastewater maintenance vacuum truck and $220,000 for a sanitation truck.

A formal public hearing on the City Council budget is set for 8 p.m. August 7.