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Board approves utility rate and code amendments; staff says residential bills will rise about $1.16 per billing cycle
Summary
Engineering and Utilities proposed a 2.5% increase to water user charges and an 8% increase to sewer user charges, adjustments to minimum charges and rate blocks for larger meters; staff said the changes would generate roughly $504,000 in additional revenue and be effective July 1, 2026. The board approved the code amendments by roll call.
Engineering and Utilities staff presented an ordinance amendment to adjust county utility rates and related code sections, recommending a 2.5% increase to water user charges and an 8% increase to sewer user charges to cover higher provider and treatment costs.
Staff explained adjustments to minimum monthly charges and rate blocks for 2-inch and larger meters to better align minimum charges with volumetric capacity; they said residential customers using less than 10,000 gallons per billing period would see an average increase of about $1.16 per bill and combined water-and-wastewater customers would see an average increase of about $8.73 per two-month billing cycle (about $52.37 annually).
"This year we are proposing a 2.5% increase for water user charges and an 8% increase on sewer user charges," the presenter summarized, and staff estimated the package would generate approximately $504,000 in additional revenues to meet rising costs from wholesale providers and debt service for capital projects.
After the public hearing and brief questions, the board moved to amend the county code to enact the adjusted fees and voted by roll call to approve the ordinance; staff said the amendments would become effective July 1, 2026.
