Inflation hits home

Residential trash rates and most other city services are expected to increase in 2023. The Willow Springs Board of Aldermen met for a work session for the 2023 municipal budget on Nov. 5.

The Willow Springs City Administrator Beverly Hicks has been meeting with municipal department heads since September, reports the draft minutes of the meeting. Increased cost of materials is a concern, and so are supply chain disruptions. Hicks reported she is encouraging the departments to anticipate essential equipment or capital. 

In last Saturday's meeting, Hicks discussed the increased costs the city has been absorbing in 2022. In May, the city's trash service provider requested a rate increase. At the time, the Board of Alderman voted to approve the increase, but it absorbed the extra cost to residential consumers. In the work session, Hicks reported to the aldermen that the city is no longer in a position to absorb those extra costs due to the increased rates for all supplies and services. A $1.00 increase to all sanitation services was proposed, and a draft ordinance will be presented for an official vote in December.

Other revenue increases discussed included the airport, golf course, pool, and pavilion rentals, which will be reflected in the draft budget for discussion in November and an official vote in December.

2023 is the city's year for an electric rate study. Hicks also reported that city crews are conducting a rate assessment on water and sewer services, taking into consideration new regulations from the Department of Natural Resources.  

Increased expenses are also a concern for the 2023 budget. Costs of trucks and equipment are high, and Hicks reported the Social Security Administration has set the 2023 cost of living adjustment (COLA) at 8.7%, which is nearly 3% higher than last year. Hicks said it is important to keep wages for city employees competitive. 

The draft budget will be up for discussion in Thursday's regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen at 5:30 p.m. in the municipal court room. An official vote setting the 2023 budget will take place in December.