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Owasso council approves utility rate plan with modest average increase for residents
Summary
Council approved companion resolutions establishing new water, sewer, refuse and stormwater rates effective Oct. 1, 2026; staff said the average residential household will see a $3.89 monthly increase to cover rising costs and capital needs.
The Owasso City Council approved Resolution 2026-05 and Resolution 2026-06, which set new utility rates for water, sewer, refuse and stormwater service, with an effective date of Oct. 1, 2026.
Carly Nivensatz, who presented the annual utility-rate review, said the proposed increases reflect higher labor and materials costs and rising costs for water purchased from the City of Tulsa. She outlined specific adjustments: a 1.1% water rate increase, a 2.9% sewer increase, a $0.50 increase to the stormwater rate and an average refuse increase of 8.6%. Nivensatz said the combined effect is an average residential increase of $3.89 per month. “If the rate increases are approved, staff will provide at least 30 days’ notice to customers,” she said.
According to Nivensatz, the OPWA and the stormwater management fund will use the revenue to complete needed infrastructure improvements and to maintain budgetary fund balances for emergencies; staff will continue to present capital project needs and estimated construction costs to the council annually.
Councilors asked clarifying questions about the monthly estimate and confirmation that the $3.89 figure is a monthly, not an annual, amount; staff confirmed it is monthly.
The council approved both companion resolutions by voice/roll-call vote as presented. Staff said notices about the changes will be included on utility bills directing customers to more information on the city website.
