Jackson Council previews June 1 utility-rate hikes: water up 25%, sewer up 10%

Jackson Town Council reviewed (but did not vote on) proposed changes to Title 13 at its March 16 workshop that would increase customer utility bills starting June 1, 2026. The draft package includes a 25% increase to water user charges (base + volume) and a 10% increase to sewer user charges (base + volume), including sewer-strength charges, according to the workshop packet. The proposal also includes a 10% increase to septic dump-station fees. See: Town Council Workshop Agenda Packet (2026-03-16).

Staff also proposed inflation-linked fee adjustments for new connections: a 5.2% increase to both water and sewer capacity fees and a 5.2% increase to the 3 Creek Capital Replacement Charge, using the Engineering News-Record Construction Cost Index methodology described in the packet. The agenda lists the item as “Utility Rate Amendment & Water Efficiency (Irrigation) Ordinance.” Town Council Workshop Meeting Agenda (2026-03-16).

The workshop materials cite rising operating costs and large capital overruns—specifically the Gregory Lane water/sewer work and the High School Road pumphouse—as drivers of the rate review, which the Town completed with consultant Raftelis in February 2026. The packet notes council could consider phasing in increases over multiple years, but staff recommended the June 1, 2026 effective-date approach as presented. Town Council Workshop Agenda Packet (2026-03-16).