Columbia City Council expected to vote on slew of utility rate increases
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia utility customers could experience sticker shock on Oct. 1.
The Columbia City Council will vote on several possible utility rate increases on Monday.
One proposal would increase electric utility rates by roughly 6% beginning Oct. 1. According to a City Council memo, the proposal is expected to generate an additional $8.6 million. City documents claim the increase is intended to address higher energy procurement costs, expiring energy contracts, growing demand and deferred infrastructure improvements.
Another proposal would increase water utility rates by 10% beginning Oct. 1. City documents estimate the proposal would generate approximately $3.4 million in additional revenue. The documents state the revenue would be used for maintenance, operations, capital improvements, maintaining reserve levels and debt coverage.
“As a part of Stantec’s water cost of service study, a 12% revenue increase was approved for FY 2026; the existing non-summer and summer tiered system usage was eliminated; a revised year-round tiered system usage was implemented; and the fire flow charges were combined with the monthly base charges to simplify the rate structure,” meeting documents say.
Curbside trash pickup rates will also be discussed. If approved, the monthly rate for a 35-gallon curbside cart would increase from $12.87 to $14.53. The monthly rate for a 65-gallon curbside cart would increase from $17.37 to $18.28. The 95-gallon roll carts will see no change. According to city documents, the proposal includes an overall 5% revenue increase for the solid waste utility and would take effect Oct. 1.
The council will also discusses rate changes to city parking garage rates. Council documents show the city is looking increase the hourly rate from $1 for every two hours to $1 per hour and reduce free parking from one hour to 30 minutes. According to city documents, the proposal is expected to generate approximately $350,000 annually. The change would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Jason West, communication and outreach supervisor for Columbia Utilities, said the proposed utility rate increases are intended to help maintain city infrastructure and equipment.
“Those rate increases are needed to help with infrastructure needs, maintenance on equipment, the trucks that are being driven to collect recycling and trash, the poles that we need to use and repair and replace for electrical needs, the pipes that are underground for the water system and the sewer system. All of those things require maintenance themselves… That’s where the bulk of these rate increases will go, is to help maintain and be able to stabilize and sustain service for everyone,” West said.
Columbia resident and college student Jessica Miller said the proposed increases would affect her budget, if approved.
“I would definitely have to change some things. I’m already on a tight budget as a college student, so it’s definitely going to alter how much I have to put toward things outside of my utility bills,” Miller said.
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