Water rates in Newton could be increasing for the first time in over six years on July 1st. The Newton City Council unanimously approved the first reading of a rate hike proposed by the city’s Utilities Department at their meeting Monday night. The rate change involves a $3.44 per month increase in the minimum usage rate for residential customers, while residential and commercial users exceeding the monthly minimum would pay 86 cents more per 100 cubic feet of water. In Fiscal Year 2027, those rates would increase by another $1.49 per month and 37 cents per 100 cubic feet. City Administrator Matt Muckler says the changes will bring in an additional $1.9 million per year, and allow the city to continue making needed and costly infrastructure improvements to the water system. At-Large Councilman Joel Mills agrees that equipment and facility upgrades are needed to keep the community moving forward.

“We owe it to ourselves to make sure we have the infrastructure and the people, and everything that goes along with that, where it needs to be for long term plans. Because we have a lot of good long term plans.”

Before the proposed water rate increase is formally approved, it must pass two more city council votes. The issue will be on the agenda for the next Newton City Council meeting on Monday, June 2nd.