Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bullhead City adopts three‑year water and sewer rate increases, revives low‑income discount program
Summary
After a public hearing, council approved phased rate increases for water and wastewater to shore up utility finances tied to the city’s 2019 acquisition and capital investments; the council also reinstated a utilities assistance and discount program for income‑eligible households.
Bullhead City Council on Tuesday adopted a three‑year schedule of increases to water and sewer rates designed to cover operating costs, pay down debt and fund capital improvements for the utilities the city took over four years ago.
Assistant City Manager Eddie Kajera and Utilities Director Mark Clark presented the rate case during a public hearing. Staff said the city has invested roughly $10 million on the water system and $17 million on wastewater improvements since assuming operations, and that the city borrowed approximately $100 million to acquire the former EPCOR system. The proposed increases were phased so the utility funds reach financial sustainability without immediate spikes.
Staff said the new baseline water rate for the Mohave service area will move from $14.61 to $17.39 (meter‑size dependent) and North Mohave customers — whose rates historically differed — will be moved toward parity. The presentation included usage examples: an average customer using about 6,000 gallons monthly would see a modest monthly increase, while high‑use accounts (e.g., 17,000–27,000 gallons) would see larger changes.
Council also approved reviving a Bullhead City Utilities Assistance and Discount Program (UADP) for income‑eligible households and qualifying veterans. The program uses federal poverty guidelines: for example, a household of four at approximately $64,300 annual income would fit a specified threshold for discounts. Staff described the discount structure as stackable up to $20 per account, with eligibility and program rules being administered by the utilities department.
Multiple residents spoke during the hearing. Bernadette Scaturro said local water is “undrinkable” and expressed concern about sewer odors in her neighborhood; staff asked for her address to investigate specific smells. Councilmembers acknowledged the public concern about water quality and emphasized that adopted rate revenue will be reinvested into infrastructure and treatment upgrades.
Council approved the rate resolution 7‑0. The increases are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, pending the city’s implementation steps and customer communications. Staff committed to community outreach explaining rate structure differences, available assistance and the capital projects supporting the increases.
Votes: Resolution adopting water and sewer rate increases effective 2026‑01‑01 passed 7‑0.
