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- calendar_today November 6, 2026
Edmonds City Council Advances Utility Rate Increase Proposal
The Edmonds City Council has taken the next step toward implementing significant utility rate increases that would affect local water, sewer, and stormwater services. At a meeting held on Monday, the council unanimously voted to move the proposed rate increases onto the consent agenda for their upcoming meeting on Tuesday.
Details of the Proposed Increases
If approved at the council’s next session, residents of Edmonds would see a series of increases in their utility rates beginning in 2027 and stretching through 2032. Each utility would follow its own set of annual changes:
- Water: 9.75% increase each year from 2027 to 2032
- Sewer: 7.5% increase in 2027, followed by 7% annual increases through 2032
- Stormwater: 6.5% increases for 2027 and 2028, 5% increases for 2029 and 2030, and 4% increases in 2031 and 2032
City staff indicated these adjustments are necessary due to rising maintenance expenses, planned capital projects, and a notable anticipated wholesale water rate increase from the city of Everett.
Impact on Edmonds Residents
According to the city staff presentation, the typical household would see an increase in their bimonthly utility bill ranging from $33 to $43, depending on the specific year. There is a scheduled reduction in costs for residents in 2029 when the city’s temporary 20% utility tax expires at the end of 2028. After the expiration, the utility tax is set to revert to 10%.
Council Response and Concerns
At the meeting, Council President Pro Tem Jenna Nand voiced concerns that the proposed utility rate increase could place Edmonds among the municipalities with the highest utility bills in the region. She proposed that, in light of the rate hike, the council should consider lowering the utility tax to 18% or 19% rather than leaving it at 20%.
"I just think 20% is incredible sticker shock when we’re looking at combining that with this utility rate raise," Nand said during the meeting. Council member Chris Eck emphasized the need for careful consideration, noting the financial strain already felt by residents due to the temporary utility tax and urging the council to fully understand the ramifications before moving forward.
Factors Driving Rate Increases
Large capital projects are cited as one of the primary reasons for the increases. Planned efforts include water main replacements, sewer main replacements, and upgrades to the Edmonds wastewater treatment plant as well as contributions to upgrades at Lynnwood’s wastewater facility—where about 12% of treated sewage originates from Edmonds.
Another factor is Everett’s proposed 125% increase in wholesale water rates for its customers, including the Alderwood Water and Wastewater District, which is Edmonds’ water supplier. Although this increase is currently the subject of dispute between Alderwood and Everett, Public Works Director Andy Rheaume warned that higher rates could take effect as early as 2027. Rheaume also noted that some water main replacement projects in 2027 might be deferred in anticipation of these costs, as using city reserves could negatively affect Edmonds’ bond rating.
Next Steps and Budget Considerations
The proposed utility rate increases are incorporated into the mayor’s draft 2027-28 municipal budget. The Edmonds City Council is scheduled to vote on the broader budget on November 24.
Residents affected by the proposed utility changes are encouraged to follow upcoming council meetings for developments.
Related coverage
Source: heraldnet.com.
