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Water rates rise 5% and sewer 10% in Broussard budget proposal; city flags higher purchase costs
Summary
At a June 17 hearing, staff proposed a 5% water-rate increase and a 10% sewer-rate increase (effective July 1, 2026), citing higher purchased‑water costs from Lafayette and ongoing sewer operating losses despite rate changes.
Burton, the budget presenter, told the council that the utility funds will carry rate increases into FY2026–27: "Water and sewer rates have been increased by 5% and 10% respectively for the year ending 6/30/27 effective 7/1/26." He reiterated the city’s plan to limit the frequency of increases to one step this year after prior semiannual adjustments.
Burton provided base‑rate and consumption figures: the water base for the first 2,000 gallons will move to $15.82 and the consumption rate to $5.51 per 1,000 gallons over the base; the sewer base rate will be $18.92 and the consumption charge $8.50 per 1,000 gallons over 3,000 gallons. He said garbage service rates will be passed through in line with any CPI increases charged by the provider.
Burton also identified a driver of higher costs: the city buys water from Lafayette and that purchase price is rising. He said water purchases last year were about $886,000 and are projected to increase by roughly $350,000 (to about $1.226 million) next year; staff said two wells under construction should reduce reliance on purchased water over time.
On sewer operations, Burton noted the fund has historically shown an accounting loss once depreciation is included, and he said the budget still estimates a modest loss for the coming year — though adding back depreciation would improve cash‑flow measures. The increases are intended to move utility rates closer to cost‑of‑service while covering planned capital and operating needs.
The proposal was presented for council consideration; no vote occurred at the hearing.
