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Hillsboro staff recommend middle-path sanitary and stormwater rate increases, expand outreach
Summary
City staff proposed a preferred (middle) rate package for sanitary and stormwater utilities—an 8% annual sanitary increase in years 1–4 tapering to 5% thereafter and a graduated stormwater increase—paired with expanded outreach and an improved bill layout to clarify city vs. Clean Water Services charges.
City staff presented proposed adjustments to sanitary and stormwater rates that would phase in additional funding to support staffing, routine maintenance and capital improvements while improving bill transparency and expanding utility-assistance outreach.
Allison Birxing, division manager for storm and sanitary sewer services, described three rate models for each utility and recommended the middle option for both systems. For sanitary sewer the preferred model would raise Hillsboro’s portion by about 8% for the first four years then 5% for two additional years to support capital projects and necessary staffing. "This gets us about average amounts of capital projects and supports all of the staffing and equipment analysis that we need moving forward," Allison said.
For stormwater staff recommended a front‑loaded, graduated approach that builds capital over the near term (higher increases in the first two years followed by 5% thereafter) to fund maintenance of vegetated facilities and to catch up on a backlog identified in the stormwater master plan. Staff characterized the middle model as providing roughly $3–4 million per year of CIP work while maintaining service levels.
Staff also proposed a clearer utility-bill layout that separates the City of Hillsboro fixed charges from Clean Water Services (CWS) fixed charges and retains a combined usage line where necessary to keep single-page bills. Allison said the current public confusion—many customers overestimate what they pay for sanitary services—motivated the change and that city outreach will include CityViews, in-person tabling, bilingual videos and partnerships with community organizations.
The council discussed affordability, comparative regional rates, and the need to advocate to CWS and the county for equitable cost allocation. Staff noted the city’s utility assistance program has been expanded: eligibility was relaxed to 60% area median income, the program aided roughly 595 unique customers and the city wrote off about $113,000 in relief during FY 2023–24. City staff will return with a final rate ordinance in October and implementation would begin Jan. 1 if adopted.
No final vote was taken; council members signaled general support for the middle/preferred models while urging robust outreach and periodic re-evaluation.
The city’s utility web pages will host details and videos explaining the proposed changes and how customers can apply for assistance.
