Edmonds council moves six-year utility rate proposal toward approval

The Edmonds City Council has moved a proposal for six years of utility rate increases closer to a final vote. At its Monday meeting, the council voted unanimously to put the measure on the consent agenda for Tuesday’s meeting. City staff said the additional revenue would address rising maintenance expenses, planned capital projects and a substantial increase in wholesale water costs from Everett.

If approved next week, water rates would rise by 9.75% annually from 2027 through 2032. Sewer rates would increase 7.5% in the first year, followed by annual increases of 7% through 2032. The proposed stormwater schedule calls for increases of 6.5% in both 2027 and 2028, 5% in 2029 and 2030, and 4% in 2031 and 2032.

A staff presentation estimated that a typical household’s bill, paid every two months, would increase by between $33 and $43, depending on the year. There would be a small decline in the bimonthly bill in 2029, when the city’s temporary 20% utility tax is scheduled to return to 10%. The higher tax is set to expire at the end of 2028.

Council President Pro Tem Jenna Nand questioned the combined impact of the tax and the proposed rates. Citing staff information, she expressed concern that Edmonds would have among the area’s highest utility bills. Nand suggested considering a reduction in the utility tax to 18% or 19%. “I just think 20% is incredible sticker shock when we’re looking at combining that with this utility rate raise,” she said.

The city’s upcoming infrastructure work includes replacing water and sewer mains and upgrading its wastewater treatment plant. The plans also include upgrades at Lynnwood’s wastewater plant, where approximately 12% of the sewage treated comes from Edmonds. Council member Chris Eck said postponing repairs and improvements would make them more expensive, while also acknowledging the pressure residents already face from the temporary tax increase. She urged the council to take time to understand the proposal’s consequences.

Wholesale water prices present another challenge. In 2025, Everett proposed raising rates by 125% for its wholesale customers, including the Alderwood Water and Wastewater District, which supplies Edmonds. Alderwood and Everett remain in a dispute over that proposal. Public Works Director Andy Rheaume said the increase would likely take effect in 2027 and that Edmonds is consequently deferring water main replacements planned for that year.

Rheaume said the proposed utility increases would keep Edmonds from drawing on its reserves, a step that could reduce its bond rating. The higher rates are part of the mayor’s proposed budget for 2027 and 2028, which is scheduled for a council vote on Nov. 24.