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Council approves water‑rate ordinance as part of broader push to fund system repairs
Summary
After passing a package of RAM allocations and other bills, the Board of Aldermen adopted an ordinance raising certain water rates to shore up the Water Division’s finances. Supporters said the increases are needed to borrow for roughly $700 million in capital improvements.
The Board of Aldermen finalized an ordinance updating water rates and several municipal code sections governing water charges (board bill 25), saying the measure is necessary to secure the utility’s long‑term fiscal stability and enable capital borrowing.
The vote came after extended hearings on capital needs and the separate RAM allocation discussion. The third reading and final passage was approved (recorded vote: 12 ayes, 2 noes). Supporters said the water division faces roughly $700 million in capital needs and that rate adjustments are painful but needed to maintain service and to make matching grants and bond financing feasible. Opponents raised equity concerns about affordability and urged clearer mitigation for low‑income households.
What this means: The ordinance updates code sections and adopts a new rate structure; council and staff said further rate‑related program details (discounts, assistance programs, and implementation timelines) will be addressed administratively and through upcoming committee briefings.
Key quotes
“Our water division is looking at roughly $700 million in capital improvements,” President Green said while urging passage.
Ending
The ordinance gives the water division clearer authority and revenue to pursue capital work; members and staff emphasized that affordability programs and outreach will be needed as rates change.
