Committee recommends 3% rise in Algoma sanitary sewer rates for 2026

The Finance & Personnel Committee voted to recommend Ordinance 859, a 3% increase in the City of Algoma's sanitary sewer rates for calendar year 2026, sending the measure to the November city council meeting for final action.

Presenter (speaker 6) told the committee the increase comes from an annual rate study and walked members through the proposed table. Under the proposal the most common residential base charge would rise from $33.99 to $35.01 and the sanitary sewer commodity charge would increase from $13.13 to $13.52 per 1,000 gallons, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The presenter said notices required by statute have been sent to haulers and other affected parties.

Committee members asked for detail on meter sizes and where the sanitary portion of the bill applies; the presenter said the figures cited were limited to the sanitary sewer side and that the water portion will be set by the water utility, which is overseen separately. Committee member (speaker 3) moved to recommend the ordinance; Chair (speaker 2) called the roll and the committee approved the recommendation, 6-1, to forward the ordinance for adoption at the November council meeting.

Why it matters: a 3% rate increase affects monthly bills for residents and commercial users and funds sanitary sewer operations and maintenance. The committee noted the increase is an annual adjustment following a rate study and emphasized statutory notice requirements were observed.

The council is scheduled to consider the ordinance at its November meeting; the committee record shows the recommendation to adopt the ordinance and the motion text will appear in the council packet for final vote.