Georgetown City Council Evaluates Updates to Utility Account Fees and Rate Increases

Georgetown City Council has approved significant updates to miscellaneous utility account fees and water and wastewater rates during their meeting on August 26, 2025. These changes, aimed at enhancing fairness and transparency, will take effect on October 1, 2025, and are part of the fiscal year 2026 budget process.

The proposed adjustments to utility fees are the first comprehensive review since 2022. The updates reflect the actual costs associated with providing services, including labor, equipment, and materials. Notably, the same-day connect fee has been separated in the ordinance to ensure customers requesting expedited services cover the additional costs incurred, rather than spreading these expenses across all ratepayers. This move is designed to promote fairness in utility billing.

In addition to the miscellaneous utility fees, the council discussed water and wastewater rates, which will see an overall increase of 9% for water and 12% for wastewater. These adjustments are necessary to recover operating costs, maintain infrastructure, and comply with changing regulations. For example, a customer using approximately 10,000 gallons of water per month can expect an increase of about $13.40 in their bill.

The council also addressed the need to update tap fees, which have not been revised since 2001. The new fees will reflect the actual costs of meter installation and related services, ensuring that the city can effectively manage growth and infrastructure demands. The proposed fees for a standard three-quarter inch connection will rise from $350 to $640, aligning Georgetown's rates more closely with those of neighboring cities.

Overall, these updates are part of a broader strategy to ensure that utility rates remain fair and transparent while adequately funding essential services. The council's decisions are expected to have a positive impact on the community by promoting responsible fiscal management and ensuring that costs are equitably distributed among users.