Batavia will see higher sewer, electric rates

Batavia's 2008 budget calls for a 9 percent increase in residents' electric bills and a 5 percent increase in sewer bills.

The City Council approved the $83 million budget Monday night.

Staff members suggested the city re-evaluate its fees further next year, as the total budget has a $3 million deficit.

"Our revenues are starting to flatten," said Randy Recklaus, assistant city administrator. "We need to sharpen our pencils and come up with something."

Operating costs are balanced, but capital costs, including new fire stations, the bridge reconstruction and electric system improvements, are pushing the budget into the red.

The city has more than enough reserve funds to cover the deficit for next year, but needs to look at cutting programs or raising fees to balance the 2009 budget (next year), Recklaus said.

Residents' electric rates rose 9 percent this year and will again come January. Those rates were approved a year ago when Batavia, which owns its own electric utility, decided to upgrade its equipment.

Those rates are more stable and less than neighboring towns' increases, officials have said.

Sewer rates haven't increased since 2003 and need to be adjusted for inflation, Finance Director Peggy Colby said.