Politics
Jbr City Council Approves Utility Fee Cap in 2026 Budget, Limiting Increases for Residential Properties
Residents will see water and sewer charges rise by no more than 1.8 percent next year under the measure approved at the July 8 meeting.
How we reported this
Jbr City Council passed Ordinance 2026-47 on July 8, capping annual increases in residential water and sewer rates at 1.8 percent for the fiscal year beginning October 1. The vote affects 47,200 household accounts across the city and adjacent service districts.
The cap follows the release of the mid-year budget review on July 2, which projected a 4.2 percent rise in wholesale water purchase costs from the regional supplier. Council staff presented the ordinance as a direct response to that projection, drawing on figures in the 2026-2027 operating budget document.
Effect on Monthly Household Costs
For a typical single-family home using 12,000 gallons per month, the cap keeps the combined water and sewer bill at $68.40 instead of the $71.20 that would have applied without the limit. Multi-unit buildings with master meters receive the same percentage ceiling, which property managers must pass through to tenants under existing city rental disclosure rules.
The measure also extends the existing low-income discount program by $180,000, increasing the number of qualifying households from 3,800 to 4,900. Eligibility remains tied to income at or below 60 percent of the area median, verified through the same documentation required for the current program.
Funding Source and Timeline
Revenue to offset the cap comes from a one-time transfer of $1.1 million from the water enterprise fund reserves, as recorded in the July 8 meeting minutes. The transfer leaves the reserve balance at 18 percent of annual operating expenses, above the 15 percent minimum set by council policy.
Rate notices reflecting the capped amounts will be mailed by September 15. Residents can apply for the expanded discount through the utility billing office beginning August 1, with credits applied retroactively to October bills for approved accounts.