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Beaux Arts Village raises water base fee to $135, effective Jan. 1, 2026
Summary
After reviewing Eastside rates, the council voted 5-0 to increase the water base fee to $135 per billing cycle, leaving the volume charge at $1.50 per 100 cubic feet; the clerk will bring a resolution in January and customers will first see the change on March bills.
Councilmember James McCarthy presented a water-rate study comparing local Eastside utilities and recommended increasing the base fee to better fund repairs and reserves. He initially recommended increasing the base fee "from $100 per billing cycle to $125," noting that comparable local charges average about $198 for a two-month period; the council instead voted to raise the base fee to $135 per billing cycle effective Jan. 1, 2026 and left the volume-based rate at $1.50 per 100 cubic feet.
Councilmember McCarthy said the Water Department's ongoing costs and the need to build reserves for major repairs motivated the change. "The increase should focus on the base fee," the minutes summarize after council discussion. The motion by Councilmember Stacy Saal carried 5-0. Clerk/Treasurer Spens will present a formal resolution in January and update the town's fee schedule; although the rate takes effect Jan. 1, customers will first see the increase on March billing that covers January and February usage.
The council asked Councilmember McCarthy to prepare a newsletter note explaining the increase to customers.
