FY27 Utility Rate Increases
Summary
Residents face roughly 7% blended increases on water, wastewater, stormwater, sanitation and reclaimed water starting October 1, stacking on five prior years of hikes. Ten residents urged a no vote, citing fixed incomes, erratic billing and a lack of line-item transparency.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
A typical monthly utility bill rises about 6.7–7.5% in FY27, with projections calling for similar increases every year through 2031.
The whole city gains more reliable pipes, pump stations and flood protection — but ratepayers pay for it.
Fixed-income and low-usage households bear the heaviest burden through rising base charges; residents with billing disputes say they're being charged for errors.
Mentions & discussions (3)
City Council - Aug 27, 2026
Residents face roughly 7% blended increases on water, wastewater, stormwater, sanitation and reclaimed water starting October 1, stacking on five prior years of hikes. Ten residents urged a no vote, citing fixed incomes, erratic billing and a lack of line-item transparency.
City Council - Aug 13, 2026
Council advanced first readings of rate hikes for sanitation, stormwater, and water/wastewater services, with the real decision coming August 27. Residents pushed back, asking the city to cut the ~$30M in payments-in-lieu-of-taxes it transfers from the utility to the general fund instead of raising everyone's bills.
City Council - Aug 6, 2026
Typical residential bills would rise about 6.9% (no reclaimed water) to 7.7% (with reclaimed), plus an 8.5% stormwater increase. Officials stressed this maintains current service, not new capacity, and discussed how it relates to the November GoBond.
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