As the new year 2025 nears, less than four months out, Bedford residents should prepare to pay more for water and sewer services effective January 1st.  Passing along Trinity River Authority’s (TRA) increasing costs “to ensure adequate cost recovery for water purchase expenses,” according to the meeting agenda, City Council voted (5-1) Tuesday to raise Bedford water rates.  Council Member Steve Farco voting against and Council Member Joy Donovan Brandon absent.  The Council unanimously (6-0) approved the increase in sewer rates with Donovan Brandon absent.

The increase covers the base and volume rates for water service, the agenda detailed.  Based on “the average impact on a residential user,” during the summer, it stated, the water rate increase will be $1.75 per month and the increase in the wastewater rate will be $2.61 per month.

Combined, the water rates and wastewater rates cover 97.4% of the City’s $28.97 million budget for the Waterworks Utility Fund, according to a presentation to Council by Bedford Finance Director Brady Olsen.  The remaining 2.62% of the budget is supported by customer late fees and sources listed as “other.”

Of the budget, 55.4% is designated for the purchase of water and sewer service from the TRA with the remaining balance going toward debt service, transfers, “personnel services,” supplies and maintenance.