Othello approves increased water, solid waste rates

OTHELLO — The Othello City Council unanimously approved rate increases to both solid waste rates and water utility rates during Monday’s regular meeting. 

Council members first approved a 5% percent annual increase to solid waste rates for a period from 2024 to 2026. According to the rate increase’s agenda item memo, the increase would translate to a monthly increase of $1 for Othello residents.

The city of Othello’s Finance Officer Spencer Williams explained the recommended increase.

“First of all, our solid waste ordinance sets rates for a three-year period, and the year that we’re in right now was the last of those three years, so we need to set a new rate for the next three-year block for solid waste services in the city,” Williams said. “When we're doing this, it's one of those things where we're constantly balancing the needs of service versus that impact on the customer.”

Williams then introduced the water rate change recommendation.

“We hired FCS Group to do a water rate study. The first part of their study looked at the system as a whole and what's the increase that’s needed for that and that was 2.25%. That's what we implemented this year. And then the next part of their study, looked at ‘are these rates equitable among ratepayers.”

The FCS Group’s recommended rate change for a period from 2024 to 2028 was that the retail class of Othello residents do not pay a rate increase until 2027 and 2028, at which point they would pay an annual 2.25% increase. The industrial class would pay a 6.86% annual increase from 2024 to 2026 before switching to 2.25% for 2027 and 2028.

“These rates will reach equitability of rates and maintain the overall 2.25% increase for system operational needs,” stated the agenda item memo.

The council approved this recommendation unanimously. 

Before discussing rates, City Attorney Kelly E. Konkright presented a draft of a potential code of conduct for council members. Konkright explained that the code of conduct is in addition to state laws and that the council has no obligation to adopt them and has the authority to govern itself. 

Council members debated the inclusion of a section on penalties for council member conduct violations. 

Mayor Shawn Logan, who helped draft the section, said he was having second thoughts about it. He said he was trying to implement a penalty for violating the code but realized the penalty system might be abused for specific political goals.

“I believe in this council. It's independent, I don't think this is a problem. But I think someday with people on here, it could become a problem.”

Council member Corey Everett said he wanted to drop the section entirely.

“It's potentially a political hit job,” he said.

Council member Genna Dorrow said a restatement of the state laws on violation penalties — which Konkright said is focused mainly on conflicts of interest and political campaigns — would be enough. The council agreed to drop the section from the code of conduct and let future councils address the subject if they want or need to.

“I do like I do like the fact that we're lining it out,” Dorrow said, “And it makes it very clear for us and for any future iterations of the council for the foreseeable future.”

The code of conduct will go through more drafts before being put forward for final approval.

Also at the meeting, the council set a public hearing for Nov. 27 to consider adding the Sand Hill Estates area to Residential Target Area “A” of the Multi-Family Tax Exemption program. Council member Angel Garza recused himself from the vote. 

Gabriel Davis may be reached at gdavis@columbiabasinherald.com. Download the Columbia Basin Herald app on iOS and Android.

    One of Othello’s two water towers is pictured. The Othello City Council voted Monday to approve water utility rate increases from 2024 to 2028.