The Solon City Council advanced proposed water and sewer rate adjustments during its June 3 meeting as city officials continue preparations for a new wastewater treatment facility expected to serve the community’s growth for decades to come.
Council members approved the second readings of Ordinance No. 496, amending water rates, and Ordinance No. 497, amending sewer rates. The ordinances follow discussions held during the council’s May 20 meeting and a May 27 special workshop focused on the city’s long-term wastewater infrastructure plans.
Solon City Administrator Cami Rasmussen told council members in May that the city has historically implemented annual two percent utility rate increases to keep pace with operational costs. This year’s proposal, however, includes additional changes designed to prepare for financing a new wastewater treatment plant estimated to cost approximately $37 million.
Among the changes are increases to sewer-related fees. The city’s sewer debt fee will increase from $15 to $26 per month, while the sewer user fee will rise from $5 to $11.50 per month.
Rasmussen said the city has worked closely with Northland Securities to prepare financially for the project.
“We’ve been proactive for several years now trying to build reserves and put ourselves in the best financial position possible,” She told the council during the May 20 meeting.
The rate structure also adjusts the city’s minimum billing threshold from 1,500 gallons to 1,000 gallons per month. According to Rasmussen, analysis of customer usage data showed the change would place less burden on low-volume users while shifting a greater share of costs to customers who use more water.
The rate discussion is closely tied to the city’s plans for a new wastewater treatment facility, which were outlined during a special council workshop on May 27.
Engineers from Veenstra & Kimm explained that Solon’s current wastewater treatment plant dates back to the 1950s, with much of the existing treatment process remaining largely unchanged since expansions completed in the late 1970s.
“Solon’s wastewater facility is at its design capacity,” Emily Linebaugh, senior project manager and professional engineer at Veenstra & Kimm, told council members. “We’re basically right at capacity right now.”
The current facility lacks modern screening and grit removal equipment, relies on chlorine disinfection, sits partially within a flood-prone area, and has limited room for future expansion. Engineers noted that portions of the site become difficult to access during flood events and that continued growth could eventually outpace the plant’s capabilities.
Rather than investing significant resources into expanding a facility with limited long-term potential, city officials have chosen to pursue a new treatment plant at a site near Trail Ridge. “We’re never going to be able to build it cheaper than we are with today’s dollars,” Public Works Director Dave Richards said during the May 27 workshop. “At some point we’re going to have to make the switch.”
Engineers said the site has been designed to accommodate community growth through at least 2050 and potentially beyond. Current plans call for final design work to be completed in early 2027, with bidding anticipated later that spring and construction extending into 2029.
The council also received an update from representatives of Viking Industrial Painting regarding the city’s upcoming water tower rehabilitation project.
City officials have spent the spring preparing for the maintenance work, which is intended to extend the lifespan of the structure and ensure continued reliability of Solon’s water system. Public Works staff have already begun testing operations under reduced tower storage conditions as preparations move forward.
In other business, council members approved Resolution No. 26-26 authorizing street closures for Solon Beef Days 2026. The annual celebration is scheduled for July and will once again bring community events, entertainment, vendors, and activities to downtown Solon.