Columbia: Opportunity for public input on proposed water rate structure changes

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(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Columbia residents will have the opportunity to provide input on the City of Columbia's proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget and a proposed water rate structure change during a public hearing at the City Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 4. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 701 E. Broadway.

As part of the FY 2026 budget, City of Columbia Utilities is proposing a water rate structure change that will increase revenue 12%. However, the City expects water bills to decrease for residential customers who have consistent monthly usage (an estimated 65% of residential customers).

Providing safe, reliable and affordable water remains a priority for the City of Columbia. The Water Utility serves more than 51,000 customers, and the sale of water is the major source of revenue for the department.

Based on Stantec Consulting's cost of service study, City staff designed the proposed rate structure to implement a revenue increase to maintain adequate cash reserves while recovering costs from users more closely with how their use impacts the system.

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The proposed base charge for residential customers would be $14.32, an increase of 25 cents per month.

For consumption charges, the Water Utility is looking to make three changes. First, the usage charge is decreasing from $3.22 to $2.30 per 100 cubic feet (or 1 ccf), which is approximately 748 gallons. Second, usage tiers would be applied year-round rather than only during the summer months. Each customer's tiers are based on their winter average consumption (WAC), which is determined by usage in January, February and March. Finally, Tier 1 would extend to 100% of the customer's winter average consumption.

Consumption charges (per ccf)
Current Proposed
Tier 10%-70% WAC$3.220%-100% WAC$2.30
Tier 270%-170% WAC$4.44100%-200% WAC$6.33
Tier 3More than 170% WAC$6.89More than 200% WAC$10.20
IrrigationAll usage$6.89All usage$10.20

A more detailed breakdown of the changes can be found at BeHeard.CoMo.gov.

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If approved by the City Council, the water rate increases would go into effect beginning with the first billing cycle in October 2025.

Members of the public may attend any open meeting. For requests for accommodations related to disability, please call 573.874.CITY (2489) or email [email protected]create new email. In order to assist staff in making the appropriate arrangements for your accommodation, please make your request as far in advance of the posted meeting date as possible.

Filed Under: Government, City
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