Preston council sets April public hearing to raise sewer rates, proposes near-doubling of residential charge

The Preston City Council voted to set a public hearing for April 14, 2025, to consider raising the residential sewer rate from $34 to $65 and increasing all other classes by approximately 91 percent. Mayor (Speaker 1) opened discussion noting the new wastewater plant had raised long-term cost questions and that the council needed to present concrete figures for public notice.

Council members debated whether to phase increases. Councilmember Todd Thomas (Speaker 4) urged slowing the change: "I'd rather us take a couple of steps toward it... I'd rather us take a couple of steps toward it. Some of the figures we've been given last meeting is that... the sewer portion of the bill will have to go up at least $62 which then makes it $96 a month for sewer." The clerk (Linda Acuff, Speaker 13) advised statutory notice requirements for published hearings. A motion by Councilmember Terry Larson (Speaker 2) to set the April 14 public hearing to raise residential rates to $65 and all other class rates by 91% carried on a voice vote.

The council framed the hearing as the point to present detailed rate tables and to solicit public input on options including phased increases, commercial versus residential structures, and connection fees. Officials said the published notice will include the proposed percentages and a table so residents can see the dollar impact by service class. The council did not adopt a final rate at the meeting; the hearing will allow the council to amend the proposed figures after public comment.