Port Orchard consultants propose simpler sewer rate structure; residential bills to fall initially while some businesses face higher charges

Taghi Acker, a consultant with FCS Group, and Zach Hazel of Bowman Group presented results of a comprehensive sewer utility rate study to the Port Orchard City Council on June 10, saying the utility needs roughly 3.5% more revenue per year through 2030 to pay operating, capital and debt-service costs. Under the consultants27 preferred approach the city would simplify the current 21-class rate schedule to a per-ERU (equivalent residential unit) charge, lowering the typical single-family bimonthly bill in 2026 from $163 to about $151.58 while raising the nonresidential per-ERU charge to roughly $235.

The study matters because the city plans about $50 million in sewer capital work over the next six years (unescalated), which the consultants escalated to about $60 million using a 3.5% construction-inflation assumption. Consultants modeled funding from grants, low-cost state loans, developer contributions and rates; their recommended hybrid approach spreads large project costs partly through borrowing and partly by rates to smooth customer impacts.

Consultants described the study in three parts: a revenue-requirement (how large the total revenue pie…