KALONA
Higher water and sewer rates are planned to take effect for Kalona residents starting July 1; the Kalona City Council approved first readings of those ordinances at their regular meeting …
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KALONA
Higher water and sewer rates are planned to take effect for Kalona residents starting July 1; the Kalona City Council approved first readings of those ordinances at their regular meeting Monday night. The council expects to allow time for all three readings.
Water rates will carry a minimum monthly charge of $18.50 per customer plus a user charge of $4 per 1,000 gallons of water used effective July 1, 2025. Rates will step up to $21.00 minimum, $5 per 1,000 gallons effective July 1, 2026, and $22.10 minimum, $5.25 per 1,000 gallons effective July 1, 2027.
In addition, the water deposit required from renters will increase from $100 to $200 to protect landlords from bills unpaid by their tenants.
Sewer rates will carry a minimum monthly charge of $19.50 per customer plus an additional user charge of $4 per 1,000 gallons of water used effective July 1, 2025. Rates will step up to $25.75 minimum, $5.50 per $1,000 gallons effective July 1, 2026, and $28.75 minimum, $5.75 per 1,000 gallons effective July 1, 2027.
The rate increases are necessitated by debt service on $10 million borrowed to update the city’s water and sewer systems, the result of aging infrastructure and government mandates.
The Crib
Also under consideration at the May 5 meeting was a rezoning request for property located at 2254 133rd Street in Southtown, where owners plan a restaurant and event space called The Crib, as well as nine cabins to be used as short-term rentals.
No comments were made during the public hearing, and the council approved a first reading to amend the zoning map to reflect the transition of 5.7 acres from A-1 Agriculture to C-2 Highway Commercial.
The rezoning comes with a “Conditional Use” caveat; should future owners wish to use the property in a way other than the eatery/event/cabin rentals approved, those plans would be subject to Planning and Zoning and council approval.
Additional Action
The council approved final readings increasing council member pay to $60 per meeting and mayor pay to $3,250 annually, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
The council set a public hearing for May 19 at 7 p.m. for FY24-25 budget amendment.
The Kalona City Council will next meet on Monday, May 19 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
