West End City Council Approves Municipal Fee Freeze Ordinance, Holding Water and Waste Charges Steady for Households

West End City Council voted 7-2 on July 7 to pass the Municipal Fee Freeze Ordinance, keeping water, sewer and solid-waste collection charges at 2026 levels for all residential customers. The measure applies to every household account billed by the city's Department of Public Works and takes effect on January 1, 2027.

The ordinance follows the finance department's March projection that an 8 percent rate increase would have been required to cover rising treatment and landfill costs. Council members reviewed three budget scenarios before selecting the freeze option, which relies on a one-time transfer of $4.2 million from the city's general fund reserve to cover the shortfall.

Effects on Monthly Household Spending

Under the ordinance, the typical single-family home will continue to pay an average of $118 per month for combined water and waste services. A two-person apartment unit will stay at $72 monthly. The freeze prevents the additional $9 to $11 that each account would have faced under the increase originally modeled in the 2027 preliminary budget.

Local advocates note that fixed-income residents and renters whose landlords pass through utility costs will see the direct benefit in unchanged monthly statements. The legislation also maintains the existing senior and disability discount program at its current 15 percent reduction, preserving that automatic credit for qualifying accounts.

Implementation Timeline

The Department of Public Works will mail updated rate schedules to all customers by December 15, 2026, confirming that no change will appear on January bills. Staff will return to council in October with a mid-year reserve report to confirm the $4.2 million transfer remains sufficient. Any future rate adjustment after 2027 will require a separate ordinance and public hearing.