Politics
Newport City Council Approves Three-Year Water and Sewer Rate Schedule, First Changes Appear on January 2027 Bills
The July 7 vote sets incremental increases that will reach all metered accounts inside city limits beginning with statements mailed in late December 2026.
How we reported this
The Newport City Council voted 5-2 on July 7 to adopt a three-year schedule of water and sewer rate adjustments contained in the fiscal year 2027 budget resolution. The measure applies to every metered account inside the city limits and does not include any new surcharges on unmetered properties.
City finance staff presented updated revenue projections showing a $4.8 million operating shortfall in the utilities enterprise fund for the current fiscal year, driven by higher chemical and energy costs at the treatment plant. Council members reviewed the same figures during the public hearing portion of the meeting before the final vote.
Changes to Monthly Bills
Under the adopted schedule, a single-family residence using 10,000 gallons per month will see its combined water and sewer bill increase by $3.50 beginning in January 2027. The same usage level will face an additional $2.25 increase in January 2028 and $1.75 in January 2029, according to the rate tables attached to the resolution. Apartment buildings and commercial accounts will be billed on the same percentage schedule applied to their meter readings.
The resolution directs the utilities department to mail bill inserts explaining the new rates to all customers by October 15, 2026. No changes will appear on statements issued before the December 2026 billing cycle.
Next Steps for Implementation
City staff will begin printing new rate cards and updating the online bill calculator in August. The government says the policy will produce an estimated $1.2 million in additional annual revenue by fiscal year 2029 to fund replacement of pumps and filters at the 1987 treatment plant. Public works crews will continue routine maintenance on existing lines through the end of 2026 with no service interruptions tied to the rate adjustment.
Residents who wish to review their individual usage history can request a 12-month consumption report from the utilities billing office starting next month. The next council discussion of utilities capital projects is scheduled for the September 2 meeting.