City proposes residential wastewater rate increase despite low current rates

In a recent Bullhead City Council work session, officials discussed upcoming changes to wastewater rates that will affect both residential and commercial customers over the next three years. Currently, Bullhead City's residential wastewater rates are among the lowest in Arizona at $36.26 per month. However, these rates are set to increase gradually, reaching $39, $40, and ultimately $45 by the end of the three-year period. Even with these increases, Bullhead City's rates will remain lower than those charged by EPCOR, a major utility provider in the area.

The council highlighted that there are two main classes of customers: residential and commercial. With nearly 20,000 residential customers, the city has opted for a flat rate billing system, which simplifies the process for households. This decision is based on the understanding that residential sewage output does not vary significantly, as most household water usage is consistent.

In contrast, commercial customers, which include businesses like hotels, restaurants, and laundries, will see their base service rate rise from $47.96 to $60.42 over the same period. These customers also pay a volumetric rate based on their water usage, reflecting the variable nature of their sewage output.

The council's discussions emphasized the importance of these rate adjustments in maintaining the city's wastewater infrastructure and ensuring that services remain sustainable. As the city prepares for these changes, residents and businesses alike will need to budget for the upcoming increases, which aim to balance affordability with the necessary funding for essential services.