By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners are satisfied that the city’s Comprehensive Financial Management Policy was in compliance during 2015.

Finance Director Kim Rupp presented his annual report during Thursday night’s work session concerning the city’s compliance with the thirteen categories.

Rupp reviewed several highlights of the Enterprise Fund Management.

“Water and sewer rates underwent a full review by Springsted Inc. in 2015, revealing a need for a rate increase in both rate structures,” Rupp said. As a result of the study and a review of numerous options, commissioners adopted a schedule for hikes in customer rates for water and sewer.

“This practice ensured that the city is able to continue to maintain all enterprise funds on a self-sustaining basis, with no support from property tax or general fund sales tax revenues,” Rupp said. “A similar full financial review will be conducted annually to verify the intended purpose of the rate increases are being fulfilled.”

Sewer rates increased 17% in the Sept./Oct. 2015 billing cycles, and another 15.5% January 1, 2016 through 2020, and then finally, another 12% on January 1, 2021. Water rates will increase 10% January 1, 2016 and 2017, 5% January 1, 2018 and 2019 and finally, 3% January 1, 2020 and 2021.

Commissioner Lance Jones was absent from the work session.