Edmonds Council Advances Plan to Raise Utility Rates Through 2032

The Edmonds City Council voted unanimously on Monday to place a six-year utility rate increase on the consent agenda for its next meeting. If approved next week, the measure will become part of the city’s 2027 through 2032 utility schedule. The vote was the final step before the rates are formally adopted.

Under the proposal, water rates would rise by 9.75% annually from 2027 to 2032. Sewer rates would increase by 7.5% in 2027, followed by 7% increases each year through 2032. Stormwater charges would climb by 6.5% in 2027 and 2028, drop to 5% in 2029 and 2030, and settle at 4% in 2031 and 2032. Staff presented these figures to the council during Monday’s session.

For the average household, the changes would add between $33 and $43 to the bimonthly utility bill, depending on the year. In 2029, bills would decrease slightly because the city’s 20% utility tax expires at the end of 2028. The tax would then revert to 10%.

City staff cited rising maintenance costs, upcoming capital projects, and a wholesale water rate hike from the city of Everett as primary reasons for the increase. Large projects include water and sewer main replacements, wastewater treatment plant upgrades, and improvements at the Lynnwood plant. Approximately 12% of the sewage treated at the Lynnwood facility originates from Edmonds.

Council President Pro Tem Jenna Nand questioned whether Edmonds would have some of the most expensive utility bills in the region. She suggested the council consider lowering the utility tax to 18% or 19%. Nand stated, “I just think 20% is incredible sticker shock when we’re looking at combining that with this utility rate raise.”

Council member Chris Eck acknowledged the financial strain on residents while emphasizing the need to avoid deferring infrastructure repairs. “The more we defer this, as with any sort of upgrade or infrastructure repair, we know that costs will go up while we hold off, but I don’t want to minimize the pain that the community is already feeling from the temporary utility tax increase,” Eck said. He added that the council should take time to fully understand the ramifications.

Public Works Director Andy Rheaume noted that Everett proposed a 125% increase to its wholesale water customers in 2025. Although a dispute exists between Everett and the Alderwood Water and Wastewater District, Rheaume said the increase could take effect in 2027. The city is deferring some water main replacements in 2027 as a result. Rheaume said the new rates would help the city avoid dipping into reserves, which could lower its bond rating. The council is scheduled to vote on the mayor’s proposed 2027-28 budget, which includes these rates, on Nov. 24.