The Haslet City Council voted 4–1 on Aug. 18 to approve an ordinance increasing the monthly minimum sewer base rate for residential customers inside the city by $8.14, making the new base effective Oct. 1, 2025.

Why it matters
City staff told the council a 2024 rate study recommended increasing the residential minimum monthly base to $39.64 (from $31.50) to eliminate a recurring operating deficit in the water and sewer enterprise fund. The recommended increase is intended to make the enterprise fund self‑sustaining without subsidies from the general fund.

Staff presentation and council questions
Finance staff (Miss Lam) described the rate study and the recommendation: "The recommendation from the water sewer rate study was 39.64. And that would be an increase of $8.14 per month for residential customers within the city limits." Council members asked whether the change would be reflected in the budget and whether subsequent budget actions were needed; staff said approving the ordinance would incorporate the rate change into the FY2025–26 budget.

Vote and outcome
Councilmember votes produced a 4–1 outcome (four in favor, one opposed) and staff said the increase would be effective Oct. 1. The council recorded the vote in open session. The staff presentation noted that outside‑city rates were also recommended to increase in the study but there are presently no outside‑city customers.

Customer impact
The finance staff provided an example: on a $500,000 home the tax/fee impact was discussed in meeting dialogue; however the sewer rate increase itself was reported to be $8.14 per month for residential accounts within the city. Council members and residents asked questions during public comment about affordability and the timing of the increase.

Next steps
Staff will implement the new billing rates effective Oct. 1 and update billing systems to reflect the new minimum. Council directed staff to ensure the ordinance and billing notices are published in accordance with statutory notice requirements.