Jamestown Council Approves 2026 License and Utility Fee Hike

The Jamestown City Council on Nov. 3 approved a slate of fee adjustments that will raise costs for many residents and local businesses beginning in 2026. The vote was 4-0; Council member David Schloegel was absent. The changes include higher liquor, beer and tobacco license fees, expanded building permit charges including a new commercial review fee, and roughly 7 percent increases in water and sewer rates effective Jan. 1.

Alcohol and tobacco license fees will see notable increases. Liquor license fees rise $250, with on-off sale licenses moving to $4,750 and on- or off-sale licenses set at $3,850. Beer, wine and sparkling wine licenses will increase by $70 to $790, and tobacco licenses will go from $120 to $150. These adjustments will affect existing hospitality and retail businesses and will be a factor for anyone planning to open new establishments that require these permits.

The council also approved broad increases to building permit fees for both residential and commercial work. In addition, a new 20 percent review fee will be applied to all commercial permits, raising the up-front cost of planning and construction projects. Higher permit costs could add to the expense of commercial developments and renovations, influencing timelines and budgets for builders, developers and property owners across Stutsman County.

Utility rates for water and sewer will increase by about 7 percent starting Jan. 1. For the first 400 cubic feet, the residential and business water base rate will rise from $27.20 to $29.10 per month; the sewer base will increase from $8.65 to $9.26 per month. Together, those base increases amount to roughly $2.51 more per month for the minimum combined water and sewer charges. Garbage container rates for 2026 will also rise; for example, the 95-gallon residential and commercial container will cost $23 per month under the new schedule.

For local households, the fee increases translate into modest but tangible higher monthly bills for utilities and waste collection. For small businesses, especially bars, restaurants and retail outlets that sell alcohol or tobacco, the license fee increases and higher utility and garbage rates will combine to raise operating costs. Developers and contractors face steeper permitting fees and a new commercial review surcharge that could slow project planning or add to construction budgets.

This action mirrors a broader pattern among municipalities adjusting fees to address rising costs and infrastructure needs, and it will be part of Jamestown’s budget picture for 2026. Residents and business owners seeking the full fee schedule and details of the council’s vote can consult the Jamestown City Council records and local reporting on the decision. The council’s approval will be implemented at the start of the new year, affecting billing and permit processes as municipalities and enterprises prepare for the 2026 fiscal cycle.