Fort Worth may be seeing higher water rates next year.
The City of Fort Worth is proposing an increase in the water and wastewater rate of the average customer by $1.20 per month in 2017. According to a news release, the proposed rates are to “improve revenue stability.”
The change affects water and wastewater volume rates, as well as monthly service charges, which are based on meter size. Water rates are determined per 100 cubic feet of usage (CCF), equal to 748.1 gallons. Some users will see their rates rise or fall depending on how much water they use.
The city council is scheduled to vote on the water rates Aug. 30. If approved, the change will take effect Jan. 1.
A list of proposed rates – and how they compare with this year’s rates – can be found on the city’s website: http://fortworthtexas.gov/water/rates/#2017-rates
The city’s Water Department is also proposing a nearly $9 million budget for the 2017 fiscal year – a 2.11 percent increase from last year. Some factors that play a role in the increase include the Tarrant Regional Water District’s higher rates, the higher cost of electricity and methane purchases for the wastewater plant and the addition of more staff for the Water Department.