Residents invited to weigh in on Flandreaus first water rate increase in over a decade

Flandreau residents will have the chance to weigh in on a proposal to raise water use rates at the next regular meeting of the Flandreau City Council.
The proposal includes a series of three volume-based increases of 6% each year, starting in 2025.
If we dont make adjustments to the rate structure now, were looking at a projected net loss in 2026, City Administrator Cohl Turnquist told the council at last weeks meeting.
Water rates on the wholesale side have increased 5% to 10% annually, while city rates have remained stagnant. Meanwhile, operational costs go up every time we need to do a patch or replace a water main, Turnquist said.
If approved, the increase would be the citys first volume-based rate hike in more than 10 years. Turnquist said the adjustment is necessary to keep the citys water services financially sustainable and competitive with similar-sized cities across the state.
I believe its necessary its not a fun thing to do but its something we need to consider as a community. I hope folks take the opportunity to come in and share their thoughts, Turnquist said.
The proposed hike would result in an average monthly increase of $3.52 for residential users who consume 4,000 gallons, $4.44 for small businesses, and $11.80 for large commercial consumers.
In other business, Turnquist updated the council on a South Dakota Department of Transportation project along Pipestone Avenue scheduled for 2029-2030. He also reported that while sales tax revenue is currently below projections, the city expects to meet its 2024 revenue goals after the holiday season.
Additionally, the council reviewed changes to Ordinance No. 623, now called the Residential Fowl Ordinance, to include other birds beyond chickens. A public hearing on placing liens on nuisance properties and code enforcement fines was also held, though no residents offered input. The council later approved Resolution 2024-14 to place liens for code enforcement violation fines.