Bullhead City adopts water and sewer rate increases effective Jan. 1, 2026

The Bullhead City Council on Sept. 16 adopted a resolution (R-42) to raise water and sewer rates, with the increases scheduled to go into effect Jan. 1, 2026. Council approved the change 7-0 after staff presented a multi-year plan intended to restore enterprise-fund health following the city’s takeover of local utilities.

City staff said the rate adjustments were designed to balance near-term operating needs and long-term capital requirements. Utilities staff reported the city has invested roughly $10 million in water infrastructure and $17 million in wastewater improvements since acquiring the local system, and the increases are intended to reduce reliance on loans and general-fund transfers.

What council approved: The three-year phased plan raises volumetric water charges to a common level citywide; staff cited a target volumetric rate of $17.39 per unit for customers previously on higher and lower legacy schedules. On the sewer side the council approved an increase that moves the base equivalent from about $36.36 to $39.16 under the proposed schedule. Staff said the rate design pairs a base charge with volumetric tiers and that the city structured increases so typical residential customers would see modest monthly changes while very high-use customers would pay more.

Customer protections: The council also approved reinstating a utilities assistance and discount program (UADP) for income-eligible households and certain veterans. Staff described the program as allowing stacking of discounts for a maximum of $20 per account and using the U.S. federal poverty guidelines (200% thresholds) to determine eligibility; staff provided example thresholds (200% of federal poverty guidelines: 1-person household about $31,300; 2-person household about $42,300; 3-person household about $53,300; 4-person household about $64,300).

Public comment and concerns: At the public hearing several residents expressed frustration about water quality and sewer odors. Verne Escotoro, a Bullhead City resident, told the council the local water tastes poor and said sewer gases were creating health and nuisance problems: “The water is terrible… That is where the problem is,” Escotoro said. Utilities staff asked residents to report specific locations so crews can investigate localized sewer-gas complaints and continue system improvements.

Why staff says the increase is needed: City staff said the utility enterprise carried heavy capital requirements, including a wastewater-plant expansion and lift-station work, and that the city borrowed to assume utility operations. The adopted rates were calibrated to cover operating costs, contribute to capital reserves, and reduce net borrowing over the coming years.

Next steps: The rates will be implemented Jan. 1, 2026 if no further council action is taken. Staff said they will continue community outreach to explain bill impacts and the assistance program, and will return to council with updates on capital projects and budget performance.

Ending: Council members voting in favor said the increases follow several years of major capital spending and were designed to stabilize the enterprise; the council also emphasized outreach and assistance for households on fixed incomes.