Richardson city leaders are reviewing a possible city utility rate increase of approximately 3.5 percent for each of the next five years.
The proposal, discussed during the city council’s July 19 workshop session, is part of a multi-year plan to maintain and improve infrastructure.
City staffers said the work will help ensure Richardson can meet water and wastewater usage demands, regulatory standards and the level of service the community expects.
The discussion is part of the city’s budget planning talks. If approved, the average resident would see a bill increase by about $36 for the year, Deputy City Manager Don Magner said.
Water system improvements
According to a presentation, the improvements for the city’s water system would include:
- Expanding the Northside Pump Station and add a 5-million-gallon ground storage tank at the site.
- A new transmission line from the Northside Pump Station to Alma Road
- A new waterline along Alma Road from Renner Road to the President George Bush Turnpike.
- A new waterline from the Eastside Pump Station to Apollo Road.
The improvements would help increase efficiency and water pressure for some of the city’s large water users.
Wastewater system improvements
Needed improvements for the city’s wastewaters system include:
- Line replacements for Custer Road, West Prairie Creek Drive and Glenville Drive
- Manhole reconstruction projects
- Designing the Greenville Avenue wastewater line replacement.
Benefits of those projects include decreased sanitary sewer overflows and improved flow capacity, Magner said.
In addition to proposed improvements, a city utility rate increase would cover rate increases that are expected to come from the North Texas Municipal Water District, which provides water, wastewater and waste management services to more 1 million people across North Texas.
The city council plans to further discuss the improvement during upcoming meetings.
