Rexburg council approves water, sewer and sanitation fee increases after public hearing

The Rexburg City Council voted to adopt proposed increases to water, sewer and sanitation fees, approving the measure designated as resolution 2026-O7 after a public hearing on July 1.

Assistant City CFO Scott Miller presented sample bills and staff analysis showing the typical single-family residential bill would rise by roughly $6 per month (described in Miller’s presentation as about a 4.3% increase), with larger percentage changes affecting some multifamily and business classifications. Miller told the council the adjustments are based on a five-year capital improvement plan and reflect actual cost-to-serve differences between property types.

During the public hearing, Bridal Crandall, of 2339 West 900 South, asked why residents of apartment buildings face higher percentage increases than single-family homeowners. Crandall said she was concerned about placing a heavier burden on students and renters. Miller responded that the city’s rate study attempts to align charges with the relative costs of servicing multifamily properties versus single-family homes.

Resident Nathan Bloomberg said he understood the need to keep utilities funded but questioned a nearly 9% residential increase shown in materials and asked for closer alignment between classes. Bloomberg suggested that a clearer explanation of rate drivers would help public acceptance.

Council discussion emphasized the council’s intent to review fees annually, not merely rely on five-year projections. One councilmember urged the city to avoid accumulating excess restricted funds, and the mayor and staff said they would reduce fees in future years if excesses were found.

A councilmember moved to approve the increases; the motion was seconded and passed with no recorded opposition. The council recorded that the increases take effect as scheduled and will be re-evaluated each year.

Votes at a glance: remove agenda item 4 — motion passed; adopt resolution 2026-O7 (fee increases) — motion passed; consent calendar and several planning/zoning motions — passed.

The council’s action will be implemented by staff; officials said they expect to return with reports if actual fund balances indicate the need for reductions. No appeals or formal legal challenges were announced at the meeting’s close.