Council adopts water and sewer rate changes and moves to enterprise solid‑waste model

The Lowell City Council voted on ordinances to change water and sewer rates for FY2027 and approved the creation/continuation of enterprise funds for utilities and solid waste at its June 2 meeting.

The sewer rate ordinance passed on second reading; the roll call recorded a mix of votes with multiple councilors opposed (Councilor Scott, Mayor Gia, Councilor Leang and Councilor Mcdana voted no while the motion carried). The water rate ordinance also passed a separate roll call with a similar pattern of dissent. CFO Baldwin said the council had engaged a consultant and expects a rate‑study update in the coming months that will analyze minimum usage tiers and options for shifting charges between tiers.

Councilors debated the minimum usage charge (the transcript cites a minimum of 1,400 cubic feet as the floor used in current billing), and some members asked whether the study could propose adjustments that would reduce fixed minimum burdens on single‑person or small households. CFO Baldwin said the city expects the consultant’s results in 2–3 months and will return with options to the council.

Separately, the council approved the solid‑waste and recycling enterprise fund and its initial appropriation and discussed first‑year implementation challenges; the finance director noted the fund would be monitored closely and that the city must allow at least three years before rescinding an enterprise fund under statute. Council also approved a parking capital loan order for $5 million to fund garage and elevator work that the administration said is already under way.

What to expect: City staff said they will present the utility rate study results and options for minimum tier adjustments, while finance will monitor the solid‑waste enterprise fund’s collection performance and provide periodic reports to the council.