Mason County commissioners weigh multi-year water, sewer rate increases in pre-budget workshop

MASON COUNTY, Wash. — Mason County commissioners spent nearly 90 minutes on Oct. 6 reviewing staff recommendations to raise water and sewer rates, directing staff to revise assumptions for the county's 2026 budget and to return with updated financial impacts.

County utility staff told the commission they had included a 10% assumed increase for sewer rates and a 20% assumed increase for water rates in the proposed 2026 budget submission, citing revenue shortfalls that currently leave several utility funds unable to cover operating costs, debt service and planned capital work.

Those shortfalls, staff said, are driven by older infrastructure, new regulatory and testing requirements and planned capital projects such as facility-plan updates, pipe replacements and UV and filter work. The county also faces long-running debt on some systems and said grant and loan programs will be needed to address major capital needs.

"So staff is recommending a 10% increase for sewer utilities and a 20% increase in water," said Stephanie, staff member, while presenting tables showing current rates, customer counts and proposed capital projects. She walked commissioners through system-by-system summaries for North Bay, Russellwood, Beards Cove and Belfair, including proposed capital expenditures and grant assumptions.

Why it matters: several of Mason County's small utilities are running operating deficits and have limited reserves. Without additional revenue, staff said the funds will be drawn down to pay near-term capital and debt obligations, which risks leaving the county unable to match grant opportunities or to maintain required service levels.

Staff and commissioners reviewed specific system assumptions and the likely customer impacts for 2026: - North Bay sewer: staff projected a 10% sewer increase (from $120 to $132 per month in the budget assumptions), about 1,400 ERUs and capital…