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Goshen utility rates set for increase on first reading; staff to produce cost-of-service study
Summary
The council approved first-reading ordinances that raise the water base rate by $2.61 per month for a typical residential meter and raise sewer charges from $7.73 to $8.19 per 100 cubic feet; staff will deliver a full cost-of-service study before additional changes.
GOSHEN — The Goshen Common Council on Dec. 11 approved first-reading ordinances to raise water and sewer rates, citing capital needs and inflation in construction costs.
Dustin, the city’s water superintendent, told the council the water increase supports South Well Field expansion and other capital needs; he said the increase for a standard 3/4-inch meter (4,000 gallons) is $2.61 per month, bringing the base from $3.40 to $3.67. "We're currently working on expansion of the South Well Field," he said, and staff said grant funding had been received to help with development.
On the sewer side, Dustin said the proposed rate would rise from $7.73 to $8.19 per 100 cubic feet in 2026; he calculated a $3.38 per customer increase and an average combined bill impact of about 6.7% for a typical residential customer. He said the council opted for a measured increase now and a full rate study in the coming months to tailor future changes by customer class.
Councilors asked for and were promised clearer public materials showing the prior and proposed rates side-by-side at the second reading. The water ordinance is scheduled for a second reading in January and the utility plans to present the cost-of-service study later in 2026.
What happens next: Staff will publish prior rates adjacent to proposed rates and present a consultant study on cost of service to inform final rate-setting.
