RAPID CITY, S.D. – Black Hills communities are increasingly raising their utility rates with Rapid City the latest to join municipalities considering increasing utility rates starting in 2024.
At a recent public works meeting, an ordinance to revise the rates charged by the city’s water utility as well as a resolution to amend rates were presented. The reason for the rate increase is in part due to repairs and maintenance upkeep on current water facilities, as well as being able to pay staff that work on maintenance and repair projects.
“For the water utilities, 10% increases per year, over the next five years. Water reclamation amounts to a 12% adjustment over the next five years as well,” said Dale Tech, public works director for the city of Rapid City.
That means a water utility bill in Rapid City, of approximately $20 will increase to around $22.75 starting January 2024.
The item was approved and will move to the full city council meeting next week.
Meanwhile, in Sturgis, SD, the city actually lowered water and wastewater rates in January 2021 by $7.74 per month, citing it as a, “direct result of community growth,” with more utility accounts to share costs.
By November 2023, the city council, in budget discussions for the upcoming year, announced it will raise resident and business water and wastewater rates by 5% per month with an additional increase in the city’s wastewater facility surcharge of 6.7% from $15.79 to $16.85 per month.
