BROOKINGS The city-owned utility company expects to transfer over $2.7 million to the citys general fund in 2026.
The transfers, along with anticipated rate changes, revenues and expenditures, will be discussed Oct. 14 when the Brookings Municipal Utilities Board holds a public hearing on the 2026 budget. The hearing will be at 1 p.m. in the Utility Building at 525 Western Ave.
Highlights include:
Electric
Electric rates are proposed to increase 3.5% in 2026, following six years without any rate adjustments. The electric budget includes major capital expenditures of $5.2 million, primarily for infrastructure development throughout the community to include substations and underground conversions, transmission and conductor upgrades, renewable energy projects, street light conversions and service equipment. Net income is expected to be $1.9 million, and the fund will transfer $2,505,000 to the citys general fund.
Water
Water rate adjustments are required to support the construction of the new water treatment plant and related piping projects along with construction of new wells. Capital expenditure is budgeted at $12.4 million for the water fund. The water rates will increase by an average of 2%, subject to the individual customer’s water consumption volume. The average residential customer will see an increase of about $1.05 per month. The fund is expected to show a net income of about $2.2 million.
Wastewater
Wastewater rates are proposed to increase 5% in 2026. The average residential customer will see an increase of about $1.28 per month. The total capital expenditure allocated for collection system improvements is projected to be $4.8 million. The planned improvements include rehabilitating collection system and upgrading dewatering facilities. The fund is expected to generate net income of $1.3 million.
Telephone
The budget includes no changes to local telephone rates. Major telecommunications capital expenditures will total $5.3 million consisting of a variety of electronic systems and infrastructure improvements. Net income is expected to be about $4.8 million, and the fund will transfer $200,000 to the citys general fund.
The board will take action on the proposed 2026 budget on Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. at BMU. If approved, rate changes would take effect Jan. 1, and would be reflected on the bills customers receive in February. BMU will provide additional rate details with the next billing.
Brookings Municipal Utilities is owned by the city of Brookings, and has provided telephone, electric, water and wastewater services to its residents for more than 120 years.
Leave a Reply