Any decisions regarding outof- town water and sewer pricing were tabled during Tuesday’s Slayton City Council meeting to give staff a chance for research.
Several residents who live outside of city limits had questions about the new rates after receiving their first water and sewer bill of 2026. The council had approved rate changes last year.
There are 9 residents who pay out of city rates, which were previously a triple charge for water usage. The new fee schedule has them paying double the base fee for water and sewer, plus the triple rate usage fee.
The reason out of town pricing is different is because those households and businesses don’t pay city taxes. They have the option of annexing to city limits, but this causes their taxes to go up.
According to Slayton Mayor Miron Carney, the sewer and water fund was solvent until about 4 years ago, when it started losing money as the cost for everything went up. Rates had not changed for 20 years. To keep things equitable, the council opted to raise usage rates in town and up the base fee for the out-of-town users.
With several out-of-town users on hand to comment, Councilor Blake Heronimus explained that the city has to pay to maintain lines, hydrants, the water tower and more, which city residents pay a part of through taxes. He said the users outside city limits have the option to dig a well or put in a septic system.
Walking back the larger base fee was discussed, but the council was reluctant to do so, knowing that their system still needs to be maintained.
The council hopes to bring that subject back in the next few weeks.
In other city business, the councilors approved the purchase of a budgeted Z Track mower and an unbudgeted water reclaim tank pump that has failed. Approval was given for Slayton City Administrator Josh Malchow to attend classes regarding utilities, and a resolution was passed regarding the county’s hazard mitigation plan.
