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Council adopts FY27 utility rates; combined household utility bill to rise about 7.5%
Summary
After staff recommended rates based on approved FY27 enterprise budgets, the council voted to adopt FY27 rates for water, wastewater, sanitation and stormwater; staff said the combined effect for a typical resident is roughly a 7.5% increase (about $62/year).
The Essex Junction City Council approved fiscal 2027 utility rates for the city's enterprise funds after a staff presentation and questions from councilors. Jess summarized the recommended rates and said the combined cost for a typical city resident (water, wastewater and sanitation) will increase by just over 7.5 percent, roughly $62 per year. She also noted the stormwater ERU will increase by $34.59 per ERU per year (about a 64% increase) as a result of a capital reserve contribution to the stormwater fund.
Councilor 11 moved to approve the FY27 utility rates as presented; the motion was seconded and the council voted in favor. Staff repeatedly pointed out the large-user rate will decrease slightly even as residential combined rates rise, and explained differences arise because large-user charges are structured differently and include wholesale and state pass-through fees. Councilors sought and received clarifications about the timing of funds and specific line‑item drivers in the budgets; staff said the rates are based on budgets the council approved at the end of March and will be implemented as part of the FY27 financial plan.
