Round Rock residents will see an increase in their utility bills after Nov. 1. City Council approved the final reading of the proposed increase at its meeting Sept. 12.

What is it?

The ordinance includes a base rate increase of 5% for water and 6% for wastewater for all customers for the next three years. Following the vote, the water rate structure will adapt to include a “super” tier.

For the average household, the base charge would be $17.35 per month, with increasing costs for 5 tiers of 5-10 thousand gallons. The new top tier would charge $6.85 per thousand gallons over 34,000 gallons.

Wastewater is billed at a constant rate based on the winter average usage. After Nov. 1, the base rate would be $14.07 per month and an additional $3.15 for every thousand gallons of usage.

Stormwater rates will see a $2 increase this year, from $4.75 to $6.75, with the next increase likely in fiscal year 2028.

The context

Water retail rates and structures were reviewed in 2017 and saw an increase in both 2017 and 2018. When the rates were reviewed again in 2021, there were no structural changes or increases. The proposed increase for the upcoming fiscal year comes after a new cost of services study from this spring.

The rate increases reflect higher operational costs, including chemicals and power, according to city documents. Water and wastewater funds will also help with large infrastructure projects like wastewater treatment plant expansions.

What else?

Utility rate increases are a part of the larger budget process. Round Rock also voted to ratify a property tax increase and pass the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024-25 at the meeting.