Council approves increases to water tap and meter fees, cites rising materials costs

The Murfreesboro City Council on July 31 approved ordinance changes raising certain water tap, meter and sewer clean‑out installation fees, citing a significant increase in materials costs since the fees were last adjusted.

A staff presenter identified as Mallory told the council the proposed adjustments reflect higher costs for labor, materials and equipment and that the city has not changed these fees since 2021. “The significant increase in materials is the reason for this proposed increase to our costs,” Mallory said, noting the revisions are intended to cover labor and materials and remain at or below comparable neighboring utilities.

Council members asked for clarification about the drivers of the increases. Mallory confirmed materials were the primary factor and that the ordinance changes were intended to recover cost, not generate profit. After a motion and second, the council approved the ordinance on second and final reading by roll call vote.

The ordinance updates are administrative in scope; staff said they would provide an itemized explanation of each fee change on request.