At Monday’s meeting of the Ellsworth City Council, a discussion of the need to raise water and sewer rates to meet current and future financial needs for both of these services continued from the March 24 meeting.

“The bottom line is we need more money,” Interim City Adminisrator Allen J. Dinkel said. “We haven’t raised rates for six years. I think we have to move.”

Dinkel presented the council with a study of water and sewer rates of various cities.

“As you can see, there is much difference between cities,” he said, adding the rates needed for Ellsworth cannot be compared to other cities as Ellsworth has to address the needs here.

“Other cities may have different issues,” Dinkel said. “However, I still believe there is value to looking at the operations in other cities to give a better understanding and maybe find a ‘new idea.’” Dinkel said his goal is to continue the discussion at the next council meeting and adopt a new ordinance at the May 12 meeting.

“I will be proposing changes in some of the rate structure as the present rates have areas which can be improved, in my opinion,” he said.

The present rate structure for water and sewer has a minimum charge for each, which includes the first 2,000 gallons of water used per month. This charge is based on the meter size.

The proposed changes for water include decreasing the amount of gallons in the base fee to 1,000 per month, keeping the cost per gallon at $10.33 per 1,000 gallons, regardless of usage, eliminating the $6.20 charge per month per unit on those multiple units that are serviced by one meter and charging a fee of $3.82 per 1,000 gallons of water used above the 2,000 gallons.

“I do support having a base rate for both water and sewer with no gallons of water usage included in the rates,” Dinkel said. “My thoughts are the city has fixed costs, regardless how many gallons are used. Just as I have mentioned before, we all desire to walk into our homes and have water whenever we want it. With this said, we may need to look at doing the transition over two years rather than all at once.”

Dinkel said the council has to be careful. He said the proposed rates will be difficult for some and not a large detriment to others.

“Again, you will hear me using the word ‘balance,’” he said. “More revenue is needed. Not addressing rates since 2019 is a big issue. Simply, costs have increased. As I told someone yesterday, a bolt costs more than it did six years ago. In addition, the sewer lagoon project needs to be addressed. On the water side there are issues like the water well issues, along with other needs.”

Dinkel noted the council didn’t do anything wrong and they should not feel bad that they have to raise rates.

“It happens in every community,” he said. “We need to move forward and do something and also continue to analyze everything.”

Dinkel warned the council that rates will need to be considered annually over the next few years.

“The other option is to basically double or triple sewer rates at this time or do a mega increase in water rates as well, but that probably is not a good option,” he said.

During the petitions and delegations portion of the meeting, Michelle Kinsley asked the council to consider allowing chickens to be kept in the city. Mayor Dan Finnegan said he gets that question a lot and suggested it be considered by the council sometime in October. However, several council members and Dinkel suggested the issue be considered sooner. Dinkel said he would place it on the next council meeting agenda.

Karen Shriner said the talk in town is about “grow Ellsworth, grow,” but the focus first should be on finishing projects already approved.

Daniel Moon followed up on a previous request to build a backboard at the city tennis courts. He was told to talk to City Recreation Director Ronnie Tenbrink.

In other business:

• A proclamation earmarking April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Ellsworth was approved.

• City Building Inspector Delvin Bettenbrock gave an update on the Community Development Block Grant and requested approval of the $4,500 contract with the North Central Regional Planning Commission, Beloit, for an environmental study that is needed first. That was approved.

A community development block grant public meeting will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at the Ellsworth Health and Recreation Center. The purpose of the meeting is to inform residents about a grant opportunity the City of Ellsworth is interested in pursuing. The NCRPC will present the program, rules and regulations. Preapplications will also be available for interested homeowners/tenants.

• Approval was given to the FY 2024 Audit Report as given by Adams, Beran and Brown CPAs, Great Bend.

• Doug Stefek was appointed to a threeyear term on the Ellsworth Housing Authority Board of Directors.

• Approval was given to the water tower maintenance contract with Utility Service Company for the water tower at 409 W. 11th St.

• An initial discussion began on the 2026 Ellsworth city budget. Dinkel said he would like to get it done at the July 14 meeting and conduct a public hearing in August. He will be questioning the department heads about the particulars of the budget.

• Resolution 2025-18 amending the 2025 fee schedule concerning service, license and permit fees within the corporate limits and service area of the City of Ellsworth, was approved.

• A water service request and extension of a water line was discussed. Dinkel suggested the city grant an easement and put the water line in the ditch. City Attorney Patrick Hoffman said whatever decision is made, it should be consistent.

• Approval was given to the $38,950 purchase of a 2023 Dodge Durango patrol unit for the Ellsworth Police Department. The purchase will be a lease-purchase from Citizens State Bank and Trust Co. Inc. at an interest rate of 5.79 percent with annual payments.

• Council member Don Panzer asked what became of the test drilling for water the city did several years ago. Bettenbrock said tests came back showing too much sodium and Dinkel noted the distance needed to pipe the water into Ellsworth was too far.

Panzer also asked about status of the search for the city clerk position. He was told administration is refining the clerk’s duties.

Panzer then inquired about the shortage of two officers on the Ellsworth Police Department and the effect that would have on coverage.

EPD Capt. Jeff Weigel said the EPD has dropped 24-hour coverage until it gets more staff.

Finally, Panzer asked if residents who live on sand-covered streets are allowed to spray weeds in the street. Dinkel said there is no ordinance against that spraying.

“I’m responsible for my property to the middle of the street,” he said.

• Finnegan read a letter he received from a senior student at Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School requesting the city repair the dips and potholes in the streets near the school and in various other spots around Ellsworth.

The next meeting of the Ellsworth City Council will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 28, at city hall.