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Alexandria hears proposal to raise sewer rates 20% annually over three years; council voices concern
Summary
Staff presented Resolution 2026-0616 proposing a 20% annual sewer rate increase over three years starting July 1 to cover rising provider costs. Several members questioned impacts and noted the state comptroller could compel a higher increase following audit; no vote on the resolution is recorded.
Town staff presented Resolution 2026-0616 at the June 16 meeting, proposing to increase sewer rates by 20% at the start of each fiscal year over the next three years, beginning July 1, with the schedule running through 2029.
Staff said the town's water provider raises the town's costs annually under contract and that the town must pass some or all of those costs on to customers. Board members asked for details on the comptroller's role and what would happen if the board declined to adopt the increase; staff said the comptroller's office conducts audits and can compel rate changes beyond what the board proposes. One member observed that the controller could raise rates higher than the 20% proposal if the audit supported that change.
Members described the potential effect on households and business owners, including an example remark that a household water/sewer bill could rise substantially. Several members signaled reluctance to approve without additional information; the transcript does not record a motion to adopt the resolution during the meeting. Staff said they would look into questions about billing practices and whether parcels not connected to sewer could be removed from sewer billing.
Because the board did not adopt the resolution during the meeting, any change to rates would require a future action and possible formal hearings as required by law.
