The City of Adel is continuing the process towards moving to a water rate system that charges based on how much is used, though there’s still some opposition among the City Council.

Otherwise referred to as a volumetric rate system, it will mark a change from the previously used “Community Initiative” surcharge rates, or “C” system. The process was initiated at the Council meeting in May, during which several members of the Adel community voiced their displeasure with the “C” system. They emphasized that they were being charged the same regardless of their water usage, and for 80% of residents that meant a substantial mark-up on their monthly bills. The counter argument was that the purpose of the “C” system was to help the City fund major utility infrastructure projects, such as the new water plant.

During the May meeting, the Council voted 3-2 to switch to the volumetric system – with “ayes” from Rob Christensen, Dan Miller, and Jodi Selby and “nays” from Shirly McAdon and Bob Ockerman – and at the June meeting the process moved forward with the first readings of related amendments to the City’s code of ordinances. The votes were once again 3-2 along the same lines, though that meant there wasn’t enough support to waive the second and third readings which requires a supermajority. As a result, the Council also voted to approve the extension of the current water rates through September 30th, since they’re scheduled to expire at the end of June. That vote was 4-1, with Christensen voting against it on principal to express his frustration on not approving the new rate system right away. The second reading and possibly the third will be considered at the first regular meeting in July.

Anyone with questions about the water rate changes is encouraged to contact Adel City Hall at 515-993-4525.