LYONS, Kan. — Lyons residents could be facing significant increases in water and wastewater charges over the next five years. A study presented to the City Council Monday gave an overview of what increases may be in store over the next five years.
The study by Waterworth took a look at projected revenues and expenses, including the upcoming project at the Wastewater Treatment plant. Based on current projections, the Cash position of the Wastewater Fund would drop below zero in 2027.
The study recommended two options for rate increases. The first option presented would raise rates by 105% in 2026 and increase rates by 2% annually through 2030. For a customer with a current wastewater bill of $20 a month, it would go to $41 next year.
A second option would increase rates by 15% in 2026 and 3% in each of the next four years but add a $25 per month surcharge that would be dedicated to repaying the low-interest loan the city is obtaining from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The surcharge would come off once the loan was paid off.
City Administrator Troy Houtman said one purpose behind the rate increases is to have more of a reserve fund for future projects that may come up. It’s recommended the city have a reserve of at least three month’s revenue. Some communities have reserves of six months, others more than that. Currently, the city has very minimal reserves in this fund.
For water, the proposal would increase rates by 10% in 2026, by 5% in 2026, and 3% annually in 2028 through 2030. A second option would raise water rates by 5% annually for the next three years, and four percent for the two years after that.
The water rate increase would provide a reserve for future projects, among them replacement of the one remaining AC asbestos cement line and replacement of a water main on West Taylor.
Also being looked at is streamlining of the city’s water rate structure., Council members Cecil Burdett and John Mehl both suggested looking at ways to perhaps soften the impact of that rate increase, if at all possible. Member Debbie Metzger added this increase will have a significant impact, such that it could force people to leave Lyons.
The Council will continue discussion of rates at their meeting June 16.
Related to wastewater, Mayor Alicia Hommon shared a letter she received from the Kansas Rural Water Association, which recently did a review of the plant.
The Council reviewed a proposal for construction of a new dog shelter at the Wastewater Treatment Plant south of Lyons. This would be a joint project between Lyons and Sterling, both of which are needing to make other arrangements when a current contract with Lyons Veterinary Clinic ends June 30.
Houtman said the estimated cost, including concrete work, fencing, and a shipping container that would be wired for power with water and power connections, shelves, and food containers, would be about $24,000.
Under a proposed agreement, which Sterling City Commissioners also reviewed Monday, Sterling would cover the cost of the shipping container, and Lyons would take care of concrete and other work.
Council members had a number of questions about the proposal, in particular as it relates to any sick dogs that might come in.
Increases in rates of the Lyons Cemetery that had been discussed at two prior Council meetings were approved. This will increase the burial space charge and the cost to open and close a grave space for conventional burials to $300, and for cremation space burials to $200, The Saturday burial surcharge, which reflects overtime expense for cemetery staff, will go to $275; for disinterment to $700, and the deed recording fee to $25. The new rates will take effect upon publication in the Lyons News.
The Council set public hearings for the meeting July 21 on three dangerous and unsafe structures. The properties at 102 West Lincoln, 104 West Lincoln, and 615 East Avenue South. This begins the process that could ultimately lead to demolitions on the property. The two Lincoln Street properties have been vacant for some 20 years, with signs of being broken into and other issues. The East Avenue South property has much the same issues.
County Seat Bar and Grill was given approval to host a beer garden during Boomfest July 4, pending state license approval.
The council discussed a new special event permit form staff has developed that outlines expectations for special events and allows certain requests to be made to the Council, including for parades, street closures, and fee wavers.
The Council authorized a $13,905 payment to Champlin Tire Recycling of Concordia for new playground bordering. Half of the cost is covered through a Kansas Department of Commerce Waste Tire grant, and while the city had budgeted for the full cost regardless of grant funds, the grant will enable the city to also install a new cedar mulch playing surface at several playgrounds in the city.
The Council approved the next part of personnel and policy guidelines covering compensation. With this, there was discussion about changing the cost of living adjustment made annually. Currently this is set at 1%, which works out to an annual cost of $15,833.78. The Council approved increasing the COLA to 2.5% starting in 2026.
Council member Mary Kendrick asked about making a change or policy that would allow police officers to get overtime after working 80 hours in a two week pay period. Under state law they don’t have to be paid overtime until they work 86 hours in a pay period. Staff recommended against that change, and no action was taken on it.
