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Jacksonville council adopts master fee changes raising ambulance, sanitation and water rates
Summary
City Council approved amendments to the master fee ordinance that raise ambulance fees (about 20%), modestly increase sanitation rates and adjust water and wastewater charges to meet reserve and debt-service targets; staff said FY2025 rates take effect Jan. 1.
Jacksonville — The City Council on a unanimous vote adopted an amendment to the master fee ordinance that raises ambulance fees, adjusts sanitation charges and modifies water and wastewater rates for fiscal year 2025.
City staff and consultant Chris Eckert presented the changes as part of a consolidated fee review. Eckert said the proposed ambulance fee increases — roughly 20% across billing levels — reflect recent service volumes and coding changes and are expected to generate about $500,000 in additional annual revenue. "We anticipate an additional revenue of about half a million dollars a year based on these fees," the presenter said.
On sanitation, staff noted the city’s residential curbside rate will move from $23.89 to $24.60 monthly; several commercial hand-load and additional cart fees were adjusted as well. The city’s contract with Republic Services remains in place for both commercial and residential collection.
Water and wastewater rates were presented as incremental adjustments designed to preserve an enterprise fund’s financial health. City staff explained the goals: maintain roughly 90 days cash on hand and a 1.1 debt-service coverage ratio required under favorable Texas Water Development Board lending terms. Using a 6,000-gallon example, staff said a typical residential combined water-and-wastewater bill would move "from $71.78 to $78.85," an increase of about $7 a month under the recommended structure.
Council discussed implementation timing and confirmed the new rates take effect with the first full billing cycle in January; staff said there would be no retroactive adjustments to bills that span December into January. After discussion, councilwoman Mindy Gellert moved to amend the ordinance, a motion seconded by councilwoman Letitia Horace; the chair called the vote and the motion carried.
Council and staff framed the package as necessary to maintain system reserves and meet loan covenants while continuing capital reinvestment in water and sewer infrastructure. The ordinance sets FY2025 charges and leaves out-year forecasts as planning guidance rather than final action.
The council directed staff to implement billing adjustments and ensure customer communications ahead of the January billing cycle.
