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Utilities committee urges 5% water rate increase; council accepts committee report
Summary
The utilities committee recommended a 5% increase in water rates effective March 1, 2026, a small stormwater fee rise and a reduced sewer tapping fee; council accepted the committee report and noted planning steps for meter replacement and lead line work.
The Greenville utilities committee recommended a 5% increase in water rates and several related fee changes, and council voted to accept the committee’s report.
The committee noted rising chemical costs, aging infrastructure and the need to plan for replacement of equipment. The report recommended a 5% increase in water rates, a stormwater fee increase from $2.95 to $3.10 per month, and a reduction of the sewer tapping fee from $1,350 to $600; the water tapping fee would remain $900. The committee estimated the average monthly bill would rise by $1.54, about $33.60 annually, and set an effective date for the water-rate change of March 1, 2026.
The committee also flagged longer-term infrastructure needs: the water plant was built around 1980, water meters installed about 15 years ago have a projected 20-year life expectancy, and the committee estimated about $2.5 million would be required to replace water meters when that project begins. The report noted over 2,000 lead service lines in the city that will require attention in the near future.
Council member(s) moved to accept the utilities committee report and recorded roll-call approval. The council did not adopt ordinance text for rates at this meeting; the committee’s recommendation sets staff and council planning ahead of formal rate ordinance consideration.
