Roseville opens public hearing and approves first reading of water, wastewater and waste services rate ordinance; average residential bill to rise about $4.70

The Roseville City Council conducted a public hearing on proposed rate adjustments for water, wastewater and waste services and introduced an ordinance to implement the multi‑year adjustments for fiscal years 2025‑26 and 2026‑27.

Environment Utilities staff explained the rationale for the recommended changes as balancing affordability with reliability and long‑term capital needs. Staff described a multi‑year rate plan that would raise most utility subscriptions in the 3–4% range for FY26; staff said the average typical residential bill would increase by about $4.70 in FY26.

Shane Whittington and Environmental Utilities leadership told the council the department pursued cost reductions and secured approximately $37 million in grant funding over the last five years and identified roughly $2 million in budget reductions in the current year to reduce rate pressure. Staff also presented comparative benchmarks: the proposed increases fall near consumer price index trends and Roseville’s utilities remain competitive regionally and nationally by multiple benchmarking measures.

As required by Proposition 218, the city mailed notices to about 55,000 parcel accounts. Staff reported that, as of the hearing, the city received nine written protests; staff summarized themes in the responses (concerns from a new business about water usage; concerns about fixed‑income customers; requests that excessive users bear more of the increase; and questions about whether new development should absorb costs). Council and staff discussed outreach and assistance options with customers who raised hardship concerns.

Following the public hearing, the council approved a motion to introduce (first reading) an ordinance amending multiple municipal code sections to implement the adjusted rates and clarifying code language. The motion passed on a 5‑0 roll call. A second reading and adoption are scheduled at the council’s next meeting; rates would go into effect in the new fiscal year if adopted on final reading.

Staff noted that final adoption will include standard Proposition 218 protest accounting; the nine protest letters received were fewer than the number required to trigger a formal ballot protest process under state law.

The council did not adopt final rates at this meeting; the introduced ordinance awaits second reading and formal adoption in June.