Administrator previews proposed utility-rate increases to shore up capital reserves

Hill previewed staff’s recommendation that surface-water utility service charges increase by approximately 10% and sewer charges by about 5% to maintain solvency and grow capital reserves. He told the committee the recommended increases reflect past discussions and ongoing regulatory demands tied to stormwater management.

Council members noted that county and state pass-throughs are driving increased bills for residents and urged regional advocacy. Hill said staff will present a dedicated slide next week with the utility-rate proposal and the council must decide whether to adopt the increases as part of the biennial budget.