Union Council Approves 3% Water and Sewer Rate Hike April 1, 2026

Union city council adopted Resolution 2026-02 during its regular meeting on the evening of Monday, January 12, approving a 3% increase to both water and wastewater rates to take effect on the April billing cycle. The adjustment applies as a 3% increase per each REU (Resident Equivalent Unit) category for water and for wastewater.

City administrators presented a year-long review of water and wastewater revenues and expenditures that found water revenues lagging after a substantial rise in supplies over the past two years and wastewater revenues failing to keep pace with inflationary pressure on supplies. City Administrator Celeste Tate and council members cited higher upkeep costs such as water treatment chemicals and rising capital expenses tied to aging infrastructure as primary drivers for the rate change.

Financial projections shared at the meeting show a projected final deficit of $19,902.47 in city water revenue for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. With the 3% rate increase and a planned transfer of $207,000 to address capital improvements, the city projects a modest positive water revenue balance of $2,328.17 for 2026-2027. Sewer finances were shown as positive for 2025-2026 but are expected to be lower in 2026-2027 in part because of a $177,000 sewer debt payment tied to prior improvements.

The council framed the rate action as a measured step to shore up utility operations and fund necessary capital work while minimizing immediate financial shock to households and businesses. The per-REU approach means bills will rise proportionally according to each customer’s assigned Resident Equivalent Unit category rather than a flat-fee change across the board.

All materials discussed at the January meeting are available on the city’s civicweb portal for residents seeking the full rate tables, fiscal worksheets, and the text of Resolution 2026-02. The decision places Union alongside many municipalities balancing higher supply costs and aging systems, with officials emphasizing careful fiscal management to avoid larger, future increases.

For residents, the practical impact is straightforward: utility statements issued on the April billing cycle will reflect the new 3% rates. Households and small businesses that track usage by REU should review the posted rate schedules and fiscal projections on the civicweb portal to see how the change will affect individual bills. The council and administration will continue to monitor revenues and capital needs as the city moves into the 2026-2027 fiscal year.