The cost of living in Langley just got a little more expensive.
This week, the city council unanimously approved increases in utility rates for water, sewer and stormwater.
A 5% increase in the water rate was proposed to keep pace with inflation, to accommodate the repayment of a loan and to address growth in water conservation. This means that residents will pay $3.19 more per month, or $47.75 annually, in base fees starting in 2025.
Ratepayers are also facing a 4% increase in the sewer rate, which means they will pay $2.59 more per month, or $31.03 annually. The reason behind this is cited as inflation.
Lastly, a 3% hike in the stormwater rate was suggested to combat inflation, which amounts to an additional $1.07 per month, or $12.78 per year.
In a previous meeting, Public Works Director Randi Perry acknowledged that increasing utility rates is not a popular choice. Rising operations costs and deferred projects have contributed to the need for the hikes.
Langley citizens who spoke out about their bimonthly utility bills being over $500 were not exaggerating.
In 2025, the average bimonthly bill will amount to $476.51 for the three separate utilities, which includes base fees and a 6% utility tax.
“This averages $79.42 per utility, per month,” Perry said in an email. “These vital services are provided for less than the average monthly cell phone bill.”
During the meeting this week, Councilmember Craig Cyr asked how much revenue would be raised from the fee increases. Perry responded roughly $50,000 for each utility, but this can vary due to usage.
When asked by Cyr about what she budgeted for new connections, Perry said she factored in 4.5 connections for water and 3.5 for sewer based on an average increase during a 10-year period. Forthcoming new affordable apartments, if connected to utilities in 2025, would provide around $100,000 in hook-up fees.
To further explain the rise in rates, Perry pointed out that existing capital improvements do not include two projects, one of which is now required by the Environmental Protection Agency and involves 69 water connections that will need to be galvanized. The other project is the replacement of a portion of pipeline from city limits beyond the stormwater outfall for Island County.
Councilmember Gail Fleming wondered if some sort of creative restructuring of how the rates are determined could happen. Councilmember Chris Carlson agreed with her and said there are too few customers to pay for the system the city has.
Cyr remained hopeful that upcoming housing developments, such as Generations Place and Habitat for Humanity’s project, will provide more utility connections.
“Every year I kind of dread casting this vote because it’s super hard,” he said.
Councilmember Rhonda Salerno wondered if ratepayers who own a second home in Langley could be charged extra for not using water during winter. However, Perry said there are some strong parts of state code that don’t allow for certain user classes to be targeted within a rate structure.
