Water Rate and Fee Increases
Summary
Vice Mayor Herbst says residents don't trust that the city actually reads their water meters, and some are discussing class action lawsuits. The city manager agreed to organize a community workshop where residents can meet with finance and utilities staff.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 7
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 6, 2026.
Impact analysis
Not yet quantified, but disputed water bills and potential litigation could carry significant cost.
Residents across Districts 1 and 4 with disputed water bills get a forum to resolve concerns.
The city's credibility with residents, which Herbst says has eroded badly on this issue.
Mentions & discussions (7)
City Commission (Regular) - Oct 6, 2026
Big utility spending was on the agenda: a $750,000 engineering services contract for water system assessment and consent order compliance, plus about $6.9 million in proprietary purchases for water and wastewater facilities.
City Commission (Regular) - Sep 15, 2026
Water bills will change: higher fixed charges, new multifamily charges based on the number of dwelling units behind the meter, revised irrigation tiers and updated fees. This funds the water system but costs customers more.
City Commission (Regular) - Sep 2, 2026
A first-reading ordinance would raise water fixed charges and, for the first time, base multifamily fixed charges on the number of dwelling units behind the meter. It also revises irrigation tiers and leak credits.
City Commission Conference Meeting - Aug 18, 2026
Commissioners keep hearing about spiked water bills. Staff explained the new CIS billing system won't go live until October 2027, though AMI meters are over 30% installed and staff is proactively flagging leaks before big bills arrive.
City Commission Conference Meeting - Jun 2, 2026
Consultants propose shifting more of your bill to fixed charges, charging multifamily per unit, adding an irrigation tier, and raising the water capacity fee 16% for new development. Commissioners leaned toward a more generous leak-credit program capped at your annual average bill.
City Commission Conference Meeting and CRA Board Meeting - Feb 17, 2026
Residents report outrageous water bills — some in the tens of thousands — with no leaks found. Staff explained credit programs, rates, and payment plans, and the commission wants a lower credit threshold and repeatable mystery-leak credits; smart meters with real-time alerts arrive citywide by mid-2027.
City Commission (Regular) - Feb 17, 2026
Vice Mayor Herbst says residents don't trust that the city actually reads their water meters, and some are discussing class action lawsuits. The city manager agreed to organize a community workshop where residents can meet with finance and utilities staff.
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