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Committee lowers proposed water-and-sewer increase to 5.5%; stormwater rates rise 6%
Summary
The committee voted to advance a substitute ordinance lowering the water and sewer proposed increase from 6.5% to 5.5% and holding the stormwater increase at 6%; the change trims projected revenues by $578,000 and raises an average residential bill by about $3.98 per month for a 4,000-gallon usage.
The Finance and Economic Development Committee on Monday approved advancing a substitute ordinance that sets water, sewer and stormwater rates for fiscal 2026, reducing the originally proposed water and sewer rate increase from 6.5% to 5.5% while keeping the stormwater increase at 6%.
OMB staff explained the change will reduce revenues by approximately $578,000 relative to the original operating budget projection. For an average residential customer using 4,000 gallons per month, the combined change in water and sewer rates is expected to raise the monthly bill by about $3.98; the stormwater charge would increase by about $0.33 per month.
Council members thanked administration and the finance chair for considering council input and reducing the increase. OMB said the reduction was in response to council direction and that the FY2026 budget materials include a rate table with customer examples.
The committee moved the substitute ordinance 25-010 out of committee to the full council; the ordinance will be on the floor for a subsequent vote.
Clarifying details from the meeting: the water, inside-city and outside-city, and sewer proposed increase is 5.5% under the substitute (down from 6.5%); the stormwater increase remains 6%; revenue reduction estimate $578,000; average residential impact $3.98 per month (for 4,000 gallons).
