Bowie council approves first water-rate increase since 2018; vote follows debate and public opposition

The City of Bowie City Council voted to approve Ordinance 2025‑O2, amending Appendix C (fee schedule) to raise water rates, at its April 22, 2025, meeting.

Council members and staff said the increase responds to rising operating costs and a revenue shortfall in utility funds. Pamela, who presented the city’s financial report, told the council, “we're still looking at over a half a million dollar deficit with revenue over expenditures during the first 6 months.” The ordinance modifies water charges inside and outside city limits; staff estimates the inside‑city increase of $2.50 per 1,000 gallons would bring in roughly $504,000 annually and a $3.00 per 1,000‑gallon increase for outside city limits at Amon Carter would add about $36,000 annually, according to the materials distributed to council.

Council members said the city’s utility funds have been strained by higher costs for chemicals, equipment and other inputs and by one‑time emergency expenses. Pamela told the council the city recently transferred $300,000 from the utility fund to make a scheduled sewer bond payment, and that bond transfers are required by ordinance.

During public comment, resident Danielle McCarty criticized the increase and said many residents will not be able to afford it: “I'm not happy with the water increase. Not happy at all. Can't afford it,” she said, adding that out‑of‑town customers face poorer infrastructure and higher charges. Another resident, Angie Christmas, told the council of “a huge, huge leak” at the cemetery that had not been repaired.

Councilmembers debated the ordinance during the meeting’s second reading. Councilmember Shaw moved to accept the ordinance; the motion passed with five votes in favor and one opposed (5‑1). The council indicated the new rates would take effect on the next billing cycle (the mayor and council discussed May 1/“next billing” during the meeting).

The ordinance as presented amends the city code’s fee schedule for water rates and included standard savings and severability language. Staff estimated the rate change would modestly reduce the utility deficit while the council continues to monitor expenditures and capital needs.

The council also discussed longer‑term capital projects for water and wastewater but did not adopt additional measures at the meeting. City staff said residents can call the city to sign up for HyperReach mass emergency messaging and to get information about billing or service issues.

The council approved the ordinance after the second reading; no additional amendments were made at the meeting.

The council’s packet and staff presentation contain the detailed billing tables and per‑gallon estimates that the council used to model revenue impacts.

The council adjourned after completing the meeting agenda.