Council voted to approve the rate increase Dec. 12 after being briefed on the proposal at its Nov. 14 meeting.
The details
Town staff said rate increases were necessary because of the rising costs of wholesale water and sewer, higher operational costs, needed infrastructure projects and the need to continue to meet Northlake’s debt obligations. The town's projected wholesale cost of water and sewer in 2025 is $12.7 million.
Northlake staff worked with the company NewGen Strategies to produce a rate model and build a sustainable service plan for the town.
The impact
This increase could hover between 4.6% and 4.9% because of how the town rounds its rates. Residents will likely see an increase of about $7 to their monthly bill, which would bring the average monthly bill to $157.80 for residents. Commercial tenants will see increases of about $24.50 to their monthly bills.
According to town documents, staff have been directed to conduct annual studies and make small rate adjustments to keep up with rising wholesale costs.
Northlake Town Manager Drew Corn said instead of doing large infrequent adjustments, the town can do small regular adjustments to make sure it's keeping up with costs of wholesale water and sewer. The change was unanimously approved by the council.
What’s next?
Residents will get a notice in their December bill detailing the rate increase.
Customers will see the new rates reflected in their January 2025 utility bill. The new billing cycle begins Dec. 16.
