Middletown WPCA unanimously approves water and sewer rate increases effective July 1

The Middletown Water Pollution Control Authority voted unanimously May 1 to adopt new water and sewer rates that take effect July 1, 2025. The authority approved a proposed 5.7% increase in the sewer use charge to $8.48 per 100 cubic feet and adopted the water use and meter charges set in the public notice.

Director Joseph Fasino said the proposal reflected recent cost pressures and a need to stabilize the utility's budgets after several years of uneven revenue. "This year's proposed increase was a 5.7% increase, which is in line with cost of living increases," he said during the presentation of rate history and projections.

The board's packet showed the sewer rate rose from $6.47 per 100 cubic feet in 2021 to $6.84 after a 2023 increase, then to $7.79 during 2023–24, and to $8.02 after a 3% increase last year; the adopted 2025 rate of $8.48 per 100 cubic feet was presented as the rate needed to meet projected operating costs. The legal notice read into the record also specified water billing schedules and meter charges, and listed the effective date for both water and sewer changes as July 1, 2025.

The motion to adopt the rates was made and seconded during the special meeting; the chair called for a voice vote and members answered in the affirmative. The vote was recorded as unanimous.

Why it matters: the increases will change household and commercial utility bills beginning with the billing cycle after July 1 and are intended to help the utility cover rising operating, treatment and capital costs. Board members noted the rate change comes as staff simultaneously pursues improved collection of delinquent accounts and other measures to shore up revenue.

The authority said the detailed schedules, meter charges and the resolution adopting the rates will be forwarded to the common council as required; public notices and the rate resolution are on file with the city.