New Farm City Council Approves Water Rate Adjustment, Increasing Household Utility Bills

New Farm City Council voted 6-3 on July 7 to adjust water rates under the 2026 municipal utility ordinance. The measure raises the base residential rate by 8 percent to cover maintenance on aging pipes and treatment facilities. It applies to all metered households within city limits.

The adjustment follows a review of the city's water infrastructure report, which identified $2.5 million in immediate repair needs for lines installed before 1980. Council members cited rising operational costs and reduced state grants as reasons for acting now rather than deferring the work.

Effects on Local Households

Residents will see the increase reflected in quarterly bills starting September 1. A household using 10,000 gallons per month can expect an added $45 over three months. Families with higher summer usage for lawns or pools face larger totals, while fixed-income households in older neighborhoods receive no automatic exemption under the current rules.

Local businesses with commercial accounts will absorb a separate 5 percent hike. This covers restaurants and offices along Main Street, where water use supports daily operations. The ordinance states that revenue stays within the utility fund and cannot shift to general city expenses.

Next Steps for Implementation

The city utility department will mail updated rate schedules to all accounts by August 15. Public works crews plan to begin pipe replacements in the River District in October, using the new funds. Council staff will present a six-month progress report on collections and project status at the January 2027 meeting.

Payment assistance applications remain available through the city's community services office for those who qualify under income guidelines. The legislation requires annual reviews of rate levels tied to actual repair expenditures.