Commission approves across-the-board utility rate increases

Commission debates penalties vs. incentives for water conservation

High nitrate levels discovered in two city water wells

City mitigates nitrate concerns through water blending

City approves $117,800 to repair levee erosion

Unforeseen costs add $48,720 to lagoon repair project

Plat approved for mixed-use development

City advances STAR bond Heritage Area expansion

Commission approves across-the-board utility rate increases

DODGE CITY, Kan. — Dodge City residents will see higher utility bills following the city commission's unanimous approval of increased fees for water, sanitary sewer, solid waste and stormwater. Finance director Nicole May reported the rate hikes reflect a 4.68% increase in the consumer price index. An average household using 3,200 gallons of water will see a total monthly utility increase of $3.99. Water base fees will increase by 50 cents per month, with an additional 13 cents per 1,000 gallons of use, while sewer and solid waste base fees will rise by $1 and $1.04, respectively.

Commission debates penalties vs. incentives for water conservation

DODGE CITY, Kan. — During the approval of new utility rates, commissioners engaged in a lengthy debate over how to best encourage water conservation, particularly during peak summer months when daily usage can jump from 8 million to over 12 million gallons. While some commissioners suggested incentivizing xeriscaping or alternative landscaping, city staff noted that aggressive, tiered rate increases for high users have historically been the only effective method to curb excessive watering. Staff indicated they may look into subsidizing alternative landscaping for new yards in the future, but no official action was taken.

High nitrate levels discovered in two city water wells

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The city issued a precautionary press release mandated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment after elevated nitrate levels were found in two municipal water wells 10 miles south of Dodge City. Staff reported the two wells tested slightly above the state safety limit. The affected wells have been isolated and shut off while the city conducts further testing to ensure the municipal water supply remains compliant.

City mitigates nitrate concerns through water blending

DODGE CITY, Kan. — Following the discovery of elevated nitrates in two remote water wells, city officials assured the public that the municipal water supply remains safe to drink due to the blending of well water. Staff explained that once water from the affected wells enters the system, the nitrate concentration dilutes to safe levels below the state limit. The city has proactively contacted high-volume industrial users regarding the water quality and provided clean drinking water to concerned residents who called the city.

City approves $117,800 to repair levee erosion

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The city commission unanimously approved a $117,800 change order with a contractor to repair erosion at the Third Avenue outfall to the Arkansas River. Director of engineering Ray Slattery explained that previously installed articulated concrete blocks failed to dissipate enough energy from the flow of water coming down Third and Seventh avenues, leading to significant erosion. The new repair plan includes filling the eroded area and installing a riprap toe wall made of 12- to 18-inch stones to slow the water and protect the outfall. The project will be funded by a 2023 general obligation bond.

Unforeseen costs add $48,720 to lagoon repair project

DODGE CITY, Kan. — A change order for $48,720 was approved for a contractor to cover additional winch operator hours required for the city's anaerobic lagoon grouting project. Director of engineering Ray Slattery reported the grouting equipment operating on the steep side slope walls requires stabilization by a winch connected to a bulldozer. Because the original equipment rental company could not provide an operator due to insurance liabilities, the contractor stepped in to provide an operator for an estimated 40 additional workdays to complete the project.

Plat approved for mixed-use development

DODGE CITY, Kan. — A new plat for a proposed mixed-use subdivision was unanimously approved, paving the way for a mixed residential and commercial development along a roadway south of town. Planning and zoning administrator Nathan Littrell stated the plat will create four residential lots fronting a residential street and four commercial lots fronting a commercial corridor street. The property owner plans to develop some of the lots and sell off the remainder. The project includes mutual access easements to accommodate commercial traffic.

City advances STAR bond Heritage Area expansion

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The city took another step toward expanding its Sales Tax and Revenue bond Heritage Area by unanimously approving a $37,500 contract with a planning and consulting firm for a feasibility study. City manager Nickolaus Hernandez stated the third-party evaluation is required for underwriters to project the sales tax revenue the district will produce. A draft of the study is expected by early April, with the city aiming to issue bonds for the Heritage Area expansion by early June.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us