Bullhead City staff announced a series of public town-hall workshops to explain new water and sewer rates the city council adopted in September and that take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Assistant City Manager Edgar Kajera told the council the city took over its water system from EPCO four years ago and promised no rate increase for at least two years. He said a recent comprehensive utility rate study showed the water and sewer enterprise funds need additional revenue to remain financially self‑sustaining given inflation, aging infrastructure and market conditions.

The study and council action in mid‑September set new rates that Kajera said will mean “a modest increase of about $6” for an average residential water customer and “probably about $3” for sewer, depending on use. Kajera said the models assume the utilities operate as enterprise funds that rely on user fees rather than the general fund.

Why it matters: city staff said the rate adjustments are intended to restore long‑term stability to the water and sewer funds so the city can continue routine maintenance and planned reinvestment in pipes, treatment and related infrastructure.

What the city will do next: staff invited residents to three identical workshops, each from 5:30 to 7 p.m., to review examples of bills, explain the calculations and answer questions. The dates listed by staff are Oct. 29, Nov. 19 and Dec. 10. Staff also said mailed notices and an account notification ribbon on the city’s billing portal will alert customers to the change. Information posted by staff refers residents to www.bullheadcityaz.gov/livinginbullheadcity/utilities/water-and-sewer-rate.

Staff also said information about the city’s utility assistance and discount program for income‑eligible households will be available at the workshops. Kajera emphasized that city staff will walk through specific bills for residents who want examples of how the new rates affect household utility expense.

The presentation did not include a new council vote tonight; Kajera told the council that the adoption action occurred at earlier meetings and that the effective date for the new rates is Jan. 1, 2026.