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DPW defends 9% rate increase as collections push continues; $207M in aged arrears cited

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Summary

DPW officials described drivers of proposed FY26 water, wastewater and stormwater rate increases — inflation, chemical costs and capital obligations — and outlined recent collections work that recovered significant commercial balances while noting about $207 million in outstanding arrears.

Council members asked DPW to justify the proposed FY26 rate increases and to describe collections progress and arrears.

Director Zaid said the July 1 rate increase would be 9% for water and wastewater and 3% for stormwater, and tied the request to three main drivers: inflation, compliance costs (including higher chemical prices) and capital investment needs tied to deferred maintenance and consent-decree obligations. "The capital…

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