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Saratoga Springs council adopts 2026 water and sewer rates, eliminates vacant‑lot charges
Summary
After a public hearing and resident comments, the City Council unanimously approved the 2026 water and sewer rates resolution. Department of Public Works said the changes reduce discounts for very large users, require specified meter types and remove previous vacant‑lot charges; a resident asked for relief for long‑held vacant properties.
The Saratoga Springs City Council unanimously approved a resolution establishing the city’s 2026 water and sewer rates following a public hearing in which Department of Public Works staff outlined the components of customer bills and a resident raised concerns about new cap fees for vacant properties.
Commissioner Caramati, speaking for Public Works, said the city’s bills reflect operating costs, capital projects and county fees (the county processes and treats sewer flows). He said one goal this year was to correct an “inequity” that allowed very large users to pay lower per‑gallon rates as consumption rose; the resolution aligns rates so most customers pay the same per‑gallon price. The resolution also specifies meter types compatible with the city’s meter‑reading system.
A resident who owns a vacant lot said long‑held family property had been billed roughly $275 because of new capacity or cap fees, despite no water consumption. Commissioner Caramati and the mayor told the resident that the newly adopted resolution eliminates vacant‑lot charges; the resident was advised to contact City Hall to confirm account details. “You will get a new water bill soon,” Caramati said.
The council noted the resolution and supporting documents are posted on the city website. Adoption was by voice vote, 5‑0. The city said the resolution explains how per‑gallon charges and infrastructure contributions fund system maintenance and future capital work.
Next steps: the resolution takes effect as the city’s official water and sewer rate schedule for 2026; customers seeking account adjustments were advised to contact the Department of Public Works.
