New Seneca budgets project higher costs, higher revenues

Time has arrived for Seneca to figure its budgets for a new government year.  City Council was urged last night by its administrator to absorb the numbers and prepare for a first vote May 24.  Scott Moulder, with staff’s help, highlighted the outlook:  no millage increase; 3% pay raises.  Expectation to receive more American Rescue Plan funds.  The burden to pay higher treatment charges means an increase in the sewer rate.  Electric power costs are locked through the remaining three years of the wholesale purchase agreement.  But Moulder warns of the likelihood that the next power deal could jump wholesale costs by as much as 25%; so, he suggests Seneca soon incrementally raise its retails charges to eventually offset the need for a future drastic increase in wholesale costs.  Josh Riches, city financial director, said the outlook is “not doomsday, but a reality check.”