Herriman says water-rate increase for next year now expected around 6.5% after staff re-evaluation

Herriman officials told listeners the city's expected water-rate increase for the coming year is now approximately 6.5 percent after staff updated assumptions in a prior rate study.

The host explained that a rate study completed in 2023–24 had projected larger increases: roughly 16.3% previously, then an expected ~13% for the current year and additional increases planned for 2026–28. "We reevaluated that and what was the result?... that's actually gonna drop to just 6 and a half percent this year," the mayor said on the episode.

Officials said the lower near-term increase is possible because the city's water reserves are stronger than previously expected; staff and council agreed to use part of those reserves to offset the rate increase and keep the water fund operating without drawing it into a deficit. "Rather than continuing to charge residents more than we need at the moment, only charge what we need," the host said, adding the city will reassess each year.

Speakers emphasized the rate changes are intended to cover operations and long-term infrastructure replacement costs; the mayor said the changes are "just math"—not revenue enhancement beyond covering expenses. The podcast also urged residents who can conserve water to do so as a way to lower individual bills.

The podcast did not provide a formal vote record for a rate ordinance or final council action tied to the 6.5% estimate; the hosts described it as the staff projection after re-evaluation. Officials said the city will continue to review the fund and adjust annual assumptions.

Ending note: staff said they expect to revisit and possibly adjust the rate in future years based on updated cost and reserve information.