The City of Pierre has passed its 2022 budget.
The $57 million budget includes no increases to wastewater or electric utility rates. It does include an 8 percent water utility rate increase that was voted in by the public to help pay for the City’s new drinking water treatment facility.
“Raising utility rates is never fun,” said Mayor Steve Harding. “I’m very glad we were able to maintain our current electrical and wastewater rates for our customers.”
Community members can expect infrastructure improvements from the 2022 budget.
“We receive more contacts about street conditions than any other issue in the city. Last year, we plowed an additional $1 million into the budget to improve streets, and I’m happy we were able to do that again for 2022,” said Mayor Harding.
City budget priorities have remained consistent under Mayor Harding’s leadership. Throughout his administration the commission has focused funding on infrastructure, equipment, and building improvements. These efforts are resulting in the modernization of Pierre’s three largest utilities –electric, wastewater, and drinking water.
The City’s budget runs on a calendar year. The majority of the City’s funds comes from sales tax, the rates paid for utilities, and a small property tax allotment.