Del City staff outline steep two-year utility rate increases, new street and drainage fees during council discussion

Del City staff gave a detailed, discussion-only presentation proposing multi-year increases to water, sewer and sanitation rates, a new per-account street fee and several capital and drainage charges that city leaders say are needed to catch up on deferred maintenance and aging infrastructure.

The presentation, led by Britney (staff member), outlined a two-year plan under which the city would increase water rates by 50% in year one and another 31% in year two — a cumulative 96% rise on the water charge over two years — with the new rates proposed to take effect Jan. 1, 2026. Staff also proposed a $2.50 monthly street fee assessed to utility accounts, a change to two billing cycles (from four), and a 40-day “catch-up” billing period this fall to align accounts with the new schedule.

Why it matters: City staff said current rates are well below neighboring jurisdictions and do not cover rising costs for materials, fuel, labor and capital replacement. Officials said the increases are intended to fund preventive maintenance, major water- and sewer-system projects, traffic-signal and street-lamp upkeep, and sanitation equipment replacement rather than leave repairs to become emergencies.

"We are currently dealing with rising cost of materials, fuel, and labor," Britney told the council, adding that the city faces "aging infrastructure that needs…