Riverview council adopts higher water and sewer charges, city fund covers shortfall

Riverview City Council on Sept. 2 adopted a resolution establishing new water and sewer debt rates and meter charges effective Sept. 11, 2025, after hearing that rising input costs have forced the adjustment. The council voted to adopt the resolution after a brief discussion about the size of the increase and which fund would absorb the remaining costs. Council member Jonathan Webb asked for clarification of the backup material, saying, “it looked like there were charges adjustments of 7.38 for the water system and 5.34% for the sewer system,” and noting there had been smaller increases the previous year. Finance staff member Anne responded: “The balance is from the water and sewer fund.” Council members cited a 55% rise in chemicals, utilities and services since 2020 as part of the rationale for increasing rates, and staff said they will monitor rates in coming years to try to stabilize them. The council voted in favor of the resolution by roll call; Mayor Swift and council members Webb, Ganaga, Pray and Robins voted yes. Council members O'Neil and Workman were excused. The action updates the city’s utility charges for the next billing period; council discussion focused on cost drivers and fund impacts rather than changes to service levels. Council records show the motion carried and the updated charges take effect as noted in the adopted resolution.