Water Environment Services board approves ~5% rate increase, fee schedule and SDC adjustments

The Clackamas County board, sitting as the Water Environment Services (WES) governing body, approved multiple budget‑related measures on June 17, 2026 including the WES FY2026–27 budget, a rates-and-charges board order, an updated fee schedule and an adjustment to system development charges (SDCs).

Director Greg Gist presented the WES package and said the proposed rates align with WES’s long-term financial plan and represent about a 5% adjustment to monthly charges for wastewater treatment, collection and surface-water management. He said the dollar impact on a typical household monthly bill would range from $0 to about $22.25 depending on services and location. The board opened a public hearing; no members of the public testified on the rates. Commissioners discussed low‑income rate elements and outreach to affected businesses.

The board first adopted the WES FY2026–27 budget (staff read appropriations of $169,426,538 and a total WES budget of $225,119,961), then approved the rates and the amended fee schedule. Members also approved a 2.72% inflationary adjustment to sanitary sewer and stormwater SDCs (adjustment based on the Engineering News‑Record construction cost index) and confirmed prior direction to phase methodology changes over time. The actions were approved by unanimous votes.

Board members noted the phase‑in approach for full SDC methodology changes and discussed predictability and developer concerns; staff pointed to previous board direction to phase in increases (ten‑year phase‑in was referenced). The WES board also approved a consent item authorizing submission of a BRIC grant application for the Wamut pump station and force‑main capacity project.

Outcome and next steps: staff will implement the new rates and fee table effective with FY2026–27, proceed with the grant application as authorized and return to the board on any required follow-up for SDC methodology implementation.