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Council hears proposal to raise water and sewer connection charges; public hearing set for Dec. 15
Summary
Planner Rollin Harper proposed raising water connection charges to $5,000 and sewer connection charges to $10,000 effective Jan. 1, 2026 and set a Dec. 15 public hearing; council also discussed water and sewer rate increases tied to interlocal costs and supply changes.
City Planner Rollin Harper told the council on Dec. 1 that his recommendation is to raise the city's water connection charge to $5,000 and the sewer connection charge to $10,000, with the changes proposed to take effect Jan. 1, 2026. Harper said he will prepare an ordinance reflecting the proposed connection-charge changes and scheduled a public hearing on the proposal for Dec. 15.
Mayor Kevin Hester and councilmembers also discussed proposed utility rate increases for 2026. Hester said sewer system upgrade costs tied to work with the City of Everson and a 15% increase in water costs from the City of Sumas informed the need for adjustments. Councilmember Marshall Judy recommended a 6% water rate increase and a 15% sewer rate increase; the mayor will prepare ordinance language for the next meeting.
