Council schedules public hearing after water consultant recommends multiyear rate increases

The council introduced an ordinance to amend the town code governing water rates after a multi-month review by a water consultant. Council members said the consultant presented options ranging from single-year increases as high as 45–50% down to a recommended phased approach; the committee, mayor and staff agreed to pursue a multi-year increase to smooth budget impacts.

Councilman Zapata said the plan would start with a 25% increase in 2025 and follow with two 6% increases in 2026 and 2027. He asked that the consultant be present at the public hearing for the ordinance’s second reading and that staff publish the consultant’s full report and spreadsheets so residents can compare scenarios and see the expected dollar impact on a single household. The council introduced the ordinance and scheduled a public hearing and second reading where the consultant will present findings.

Officials said the consultant evaluated several alternatives and provided household-level examples; the council signaled a preference for the phased increase as a way to address potential municipal water budget shortfalls while minimizing shock to residents. The full public hearing is scheduled for the ordinance’s second reading, when the consultant will be asked to present the report and answer resident questions.