BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL APPROVES INCREASES TO WATER RATES

  

The Brenham City Council moved today (Thursday) to proceed with another round of water rate increases.

The new rates will go into effect on May 1^st and are intended to help the city recover costs driven by new debt for its water plant expansion and groundwater well projects.  This is the second of three scheduled water rate increases annually; the first was adopted by the council in March 2024.

The minimum monthly bill for city residents will go up by $2.38 for the first 3,000 gallons of water used.  The paid rate per 1,000 gallons of water used will also rise, depending on if the account uses between 3,000 – 10,000 gallons, 10,001 – 25,000 gallons, or over 25,000 gallons.

For commercial and industrial customers, their minimum charge for 3,000 gallons is increasing based on the size of their water meter.  Like with residential customers, their rate per 1,000 gallons used will also go up in correlation with the three previously listed usage tiers.

A full breakdown of the proposed water rate increases can be seen here.

Mayor Atwood Kenjura said the city is projecting roughly a 25 percent increase in residential water rates over the course of this three-year period.  Councilmember Adonna Saunders commented that the city’s utility rates are still among average or below when compared to other cities.  Councilmember Leah Cook said no one wants to do this, but it is “a necessity from the can being kicked for too long.”

Also at today’s meeting, the council:

• Received the Brenham Fire Department’s 2024 annual report.
• Approved the purchase of a bucket truck for the City of Brenham Electric Department in the amount of $324,350. 
• Held executive session discussion regarding the possible purchase, exchange or acquisition of real property for sanitary sewer improvements and facilities.  No action was taken. 

Click here to view the agenda packet for Thursday's meeting.