As 2024 draws to a close, Grants Pass residents are noticing increases in their water and utility bills compared to 2023. A review of bills from December 2023 and December 2024 reveals where the additional charges are coming from and whether they align with inflation and national utility cost trends. Looking ahead to 2025, residents should also prepare for further increases, including the $12.00 Public Safety Fee and an additional 3.02% rate adjustment tied to the cost-of-living index.
For a typical single-family home of 1,500 square feet with two bathrooms, one of the most notable changes in 2024 was the meter charge—a fixed fee for maintaining water meters. In 2023, this fee was $24.12, increasing to $25.26 in 2024, reflecting a $1.14 rise that aligns with a 4.7% inflation adjustment. Another significant factor was water usage. In December 2023, the average household consumed 3 units of water (approximately 2,244 gallons), costing $2.25. By December 2024, water usage rose to 5 units, with a cost of $3.95. This increase in consumption also drove up other usage-based charges, such as wastewater and pump fees, further contributing to higher overall utility bills.
The wastewater base charge, a fixed fee for processing wastewater, rose from $20.37 in 2023 to $21.33 in 2024, an increase of $0.96. Additionally, the variable wastewater residential use charge increased slightly, from $4.17 in 2023 to $4.37 in 2024, matching the 4.7% inflation adjustment. Similarly, the Redwood Pump Charge, a regional fee for pump maintenance, increased from $2.43 to $2.55 over the same period.
Other charges also saw modest increases. The Single-Family Residence Transportation Charge, which supports road and infrastructure maintenance, went from $4.25 to $4.45, while the stormwater charge, which funds stormwater management, rose from $8.41 to $8.81. Meanwhile, fixed charges like the water plant fee ($13.50) and cross-connection fee ($2.00) remained unchanged between 2023 and 2024. The fee in lieu of franchise, passed on by utility companies in place of taxes, increased slightly from $3.44 to $3.65.
In total, the utility bill increased from $84.94 in 2023 to $101.87 in 2024, reflecting a $16.93 rise. This increase is attributed to both higher water usage and inflation-based adjustments. While the changes appear reasonable on paper, some residents may feel overwhelmed by the numerous line-item fees, which include fixed costs for maintaining infrastructure and variable costs tied to water consumption.
Looking ahead to 2025, residents will also feel the impact of the new $12.00 Public Safety Fee, which will be included in utility bills to help fund critical safety services. In addition, the city has announced a 3.02% rate increase tied to the cost-of-living index. Combined, these changes are expected to further elevate utility costs, continuing the upward trend seen over the past two years.
The city’s utility billing system includes charges for various purposes. The meter charge covers the cost of maintaining water meters, while the water use charge depends on consumption. The wastewater base charge and residential use charge fund the treatment of wastewater, and the Redwood Pump Charge helps maintain local pump systems. Additional charges, like those for stormwater, water plant operations, and road maintenance, ensure the city’s infrastructure remains functional. Finally, the fee in lieu of franchise supports the city’s financial needs, while the cross-connection fee ensures backflow prevention for public safety.
Are these rates fair? The 4.7% rate increase for 2024 aligns with inflation trends and matches national averages, where water and sewer bills typically range between $70 and $120 per month. The city’s planned 3.02% rate adjustment for 2025 suggests a continued effort to keep rates consistent with inflation. However, the addition of the Public Safety Fee and other recurring charges may prompt residents to question the necessity of less familiar fees, like the Redwood Pump Charge or Single-Family Residence Transportation Fee. Clearer communication from the city about these charges would help ensure transparency and accountability.
For those looking to manage rising costs, reducing water usage is a practical first step. Since usage-based charges significantly impacted the 2024 bill, cutting consumption could result in lower fees. Residents should also stay informed about national utility rates to ensure they’re not overpaying and consider reaching out to the city for clarification on charges that seem excessive or unclear.
While the increases in utility bills appear consistent with inflation and national averages, the complexity of the line-item fees might leave residents seeking more transparency. With the introduction of the Public Safety Fee in 2025 and continued rate increases, providing clearer explanations of each charge could help residents better understand their bills and feel more confident in the fairness of their utility costs.
