Dundee adopts new water-consumption rates and $0.50 monthly technology fee

DUNDEE, Ore. — After several months of preliminary work, the Dundee City Council on April 1 adopted Resolution 2025-O3 to raise water-consumption rates and add a $0.50 monthly technology fee to water bills.

The move increased the monthly base charge by $6, from $21.54 to $27.54, and restructured tiered consumption rates. City staff presented the new tiers during the meeting: the first consumption tier (551–825 cubic feet) was presented at 6.8¢ per cubic foot; the next tiers were presented at 8¢, 9.09¢ and 10¢ at higher volumes. Staff also presented language in the resolution establishing an annual adjustment tied to consumer-price measures and noted a $0.50 monthly technology fee to cover increasing technology needs.

Why this matters The council and staff said the increase responds to ongoing revenue shortfalls in the utilities fund and rising operation and maintenance costs. Staff told the council the changes are intended to preserve service levels while ensuring the system’s financial stability.

What the council did and next steps Council members moved to adopt Resolution 2025-O3, which also repeals Resolution 2020-O4. The resolution passed by voice vote; staff recorded the implementation timetable in the resolution materials and will return a final billing schedule and public notice for publication. Staff identified Public Works and city administration as assignees responsible for implementation.

Quotes from the meeting Steve, a city staff member who presented the proposal, summarized the principal elements: “the council wanted to raise the base rate by $6 from $21.54 to $27.54,” and described the tiered per-cubic-foot charges and the $0.50 technology fee.

Ending Staff will publish the new rate schedule and billing changes and return with a final implementation timeline. Council members asked that the city provide clear billing notices so customers understand the change and the rationale behind it.