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North Bend holds public hearing on proposed sanitary sewer rate increases to shore up aging system
Summary
City staff presented a multi-year rate plan to address an aging wastewater system and depleted reserves; residents offered both support and concerns during the hearing. Council will consider a formal rate resolution at its Aug. 11 meeting.
City staff opened a public hearing on July 28 to receive testimony about proposed sanitary sewer rate increases intended to support the long-term operation, maintenance and capital needs of North Bend’s wastewater system.
The staff presentation summarized system finances and age: current annual revenue is about $2,400,000, personnel costs about $1,400,000, materials and services roughly $400,000–$600,000 depending on the year, and capital needs of roughly $2,000,000 per year over the next five years. Staff told council that reserves have been spent down from approximately $7,000,000 to about $500,000 and that the wastewater plant was last upgraded in 1991 (its 20-year design life), while sanitary system components average about 58.4 years old. The report recommended a four‑year plan with annual increases (a cited option was 12.5% year‑over‑year for four years, then returning to the city’s normal COLA adjustments).
Resident Martelly James spoke in favor, urging the council to act to prevent system failures and property damage. James said the packet “presents a compelling case for a plan to save the aging sewer system” and referenced Senate Bill 1062 (effective 01/01/2026) as context for new funding approaches. Public works staff thanked speakers and said a formal sanitary sewer rate resolution is expected to return for consideration at the Aug. 11 council meeting.
The hearing was not a decision meeting; the chair closed the hearing at 7:33 p.m. and staff said the proposed resolution will be brought back after the public has two more weeks to submit comments in writing, in person, or via Zoom.
