BROOKINGS — Utilities customers in Brookings are facing a good news/bad news situation in the sense that some rates are likely going to increase next year — but not all of them.

Let’s start with the good news first: Rates will not be going up on electricity or telephone service. On the flip side, and the bad news, customers’ bills for water and wastewater services will rise, pending the outcome of second-reading vote at a Nov. 12 meeting of the Brookings Municipal Utilities board. Specifics for each service include:

Electric

Acording to BMU, this budget includes major capital expenditures of $4.7 million, primarily for infrastructure development, including substations and underground conversions; renewable energy projects, continue with Advanced Metering Infrastructure outlays, street light conversions and service vehicles.

Net income is expected to be $2.4 million and the fund will transfer $2,455,000 to the city’s general fund.

Water

The water fund rates will increase by 2.5% to 8.9% depending on the volume of water used by the customer. The average residential customer will see an increase of about $2.46 per month.

BMU said the increases are needed for the new water treatment plant, new and replacement transmission lines, continue with a meter replacement program and to cover increases in operating and maintenance expenses. Capital expenditures are budgeted at $25.2 million. 

The fund is expected to show a net income of about $2.2 million.

Wastewater

These rates are proposed to increase 5% next year. The average residential customer will see a boost of about $2.07 per month.

Capital expenditures will total $4.2 million for collection system improvements. These improvements include a large collector rehabilitation, dewatering facility and road developments located where city street improvements are planned, according to BMU.

The fund is expected to generate net income of $560,000.

Telephone

BMU said the budget includes no changes to local telephone rates.

Major telecommunications capital expenditures will total $2.9 million consisting of a variety of electronic systems and infrastructure improvements.

Net income is expected to be about $4.6 million and the fund will transfer $200,000 to the city’s general fund.

The cost changes to these services — electric, water, wastewater and telephone — along with BMU’s proposed 2025 budget were initially discussed and passed on a first-reading vote at a Oct. 15 meeting. If the BMU board finalizes the changes at its 1 p.m. Nov. 12 meeting, the new rates would take effect Jan. 1 and would be reflected on bills that customers receive Feb. 1.

The board meets at the BMU building, 525 Western Ave.

— Contact Mondell Keck at mkeck@brookingsregister.com.