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Astoria council adopts 6% increases to water and sewer rates to fund aging infrastructure
Summary
The Astoria City Council on June 16 adopted 6% rate increases for both water and sewer for fiscal 2025–26, citing aging infrastructure and upcoming capital projects. Staff said the typical residential bill would rise roughly $8–$10 per month and highlighted a $10 million wastewater facility and other prioritized projects.
Astoria’s City Council voted June 16 to adopt resolutions authorizing 6% increases to the water and sewer utility rates for fiscal year 2025–26, a move city staff said is needed to address long‑deferred maintenance and several major capital projects.
City Manager Spence and Public Works Director Jeff Harrington told the council that the adjustments follow the budget committee’s recommendations and are intended to cover collective bargaining costs, inflation for materials and supplies, and to fund pending capital work. Spence said the city’s capital improvement plan lists “well over $1 billion” in outstanding projects; Harrington singled out a $10,000,000 wastewater treatment plant (about half to be financed with debt) and a multi‑lift‑station replacement package in the $3,600,000 range.
Asked about household impacts, staff used a 7,500‑gallon‑per‑month residential average and estimated an increase “roughly about $8,” later noted as about $10, depending on usage and billing assumptions. Spence clarified that the example referenced monthly bills.
Councilors asked for context on the capital needs and for continued pursuit of grant funding. Councilor Davis emphasized the importance of grants and noted that each percentage point of rate increase yields roughly $75,000–$150,000 depending on assumptions. Councilor Adams reiterated staff’s work to secure federal and state grants.
After brief public comment in favor of transparency and a short council discussion, Councilor Wong moved adoption of the water resolution; the council approved both the water and sewer resolutions by roll call (ayes recorded for the mayor and the councilors present). The resolutions take effect under the timelines reflected in the council action and the utility billing schedule.
What happens next: The city manager and public works staff said they will continue to pursue grant funding, provide more detailed CIP schedules on request, and apply the rate changes to the utility billing system in accordance with the adopted resolutions.
