The Grand Island Town Board on Dec. 8 adopted a resolution to set the town’s consolidated sanitary sewer rate at $6.70 per 1,000 gallons for 2026, an increase from $6.30. The clerk read the public-notice language and council members answered residents' questions about the size of the increase.

A resident asked whether the change represented an increase; board members confirmed it was a $0.40 rise per 1,000 gallons and noted the town’s sewer rates have risen roughly 15% over the past two years. "It's unfortunate, but on an island, we have to pay for these things," one board member said, adding that rising costs for chemicals, gas and ongoing sewer work were drivers.

The board moved and seconded the rate resolution; a roll call showed unanimous approval (Garcia — Aye; Kilmer — Aye; DeGadding/DeGatti — Aye; Belida — Aye; Marston — Aye). The board asked staff to monitor costs and said they hoped increases would not become an annual trend.

The action is limited to setting the 2026 rate; implementation and billing adjustments will follow standard finance and utility procedures.