HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The City of Huntsville has approved its first sewer rate increase in 20 years.
During its regular meeting on Thursday, the council approved raising the city’s sewer rates.
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The city said the new rates will create a $5 increase on the average bill for a single-family residence beginning in October.
The council approved the measure 4-1, with Councilman John Meredith being the lone no vote.
After the $5 increase in October of 2025, the average rate will go up an additional $1.25 for the following four years. In 2030, the rate will increase an additional $1 each year through 2034.
All told, this will lead the average monthly bill for a single-family home to increase from where it currently sits at $24.15 per month to $39.15 in 2034.
The city said the rate increase will help fund a $150 million infrastructure investment in both the sewer collection system and the city’s treatment facilities over a 10-year capital plan.
Councilwoman Michelle Watkins said she supports the rate increase because it’s better to get infrastructure improvements started sooner, rather than later.
“I think that is really a good idea that we take care of this now” Watkins said. “Anybody who knows me knows I’m very conscious about rates and increases, but this is just one that is needed” she added.
Council President John Meredith voted against the rate increase, saying it will be a burden on customers for the next decade.
“If this was a one time shot, $5 next year, I’d be supportive of it, but it’s ten years out” Meredith said. “So, it’s a it’s a rate increase every year for ten years” he added.
Parts of the city’s sewer infrastructure date back to the 1950s.
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