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Ellsworth council approves phased water rate increases to help pay for a new treatment plant

Ellsworth City Council · February 18, 2026

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Summary

The council approved a two‑step water rate increase — a first phase beginning July 1, 2026 and a second phase July 1, 2027 — intended to generate additional revenue for a planned new water treatment plant and to phase in related debt service.

The City Council approved a two‑step adjustment to water department rates designed to generate revenue to support a planned new water treatment plant and associated debt service. Rate consultant Nick Henry summarized customer rights under state law and the petition process and told the council customers may petition the Public Utilities Commission if 15% of customers submit petitions by a stated deadline.

Staff described the proposal as staged increases to spread the revenue burden across two fiscal years so the water utility and city can absorb debt service for the new plant without a single large, immediate rate shock. City Manager Pierce added that the large treatment‑plant project layers federal grants and low‑interest loans, but the utility will carry new debt service and needs predictable revenue to meet it.

The council opened the public hearing and heard no public comment on rates, then voted to approve the schedule as proposed. The water department will publish customer notices required under state statute and make petition information available as required by the Public Utilities Commission.