Preparation for the FY 2026 budget cycle for the City of Fall River is underway, led by the submission this week of the budgets for the city’s water and sewer departments.
The proposed water department budget is $16.8 million while the sewer department budget is just under $33 million. Officials are asking for a five percent (5%) increase in user rates over FY 2025.
Water rates will increase from $4.36 per 100 cubic feet (ccf) to $4.58. The sewer fee will go from $8.11 to $8.51 per ccf. Industrial sewer users will see rates rise from $3.87 to $4.06 per ccf. The city’s yearly stormwater fee of $200 will remain unchanged. The base meter fee (based on size) will also stay the same as a year ago.
Ensuring the city’s water is safe and clean and sewage is treated environmentally is only part of what the department oversees. They also use funds to update aging infrastructure.
The budget and rate increases await city council approval. If passed the new fees will take effect July 1.
