Northport To Consider Raising Rates For Water, Sewer & Trash For First Time Since 2010

NORTHPORT, AL — The Northport City Council on Thursday will hear the first reading of an ordinance that, if passed by the council, would raise the costs of water, sewer and garbage rates for residents in the city for the first time since 2010.

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The measure is based on recent rate studies and would go into effect beginning Jan. 1, 2023.

Here's a breakdown of the potential changes:

• Increases the fixed monthly administrative fees for both water and sewer by $1.50.
• An additional $1.50 would be implemented for water and sewer beginning Jan. 1, 2024.
• Per cart rates for garbage service will increase be $4.50 a month for residential and $10 a month for commercial.

"Unfortunately everything has increased in cost within the last 10 years including our cost to supply," Council President Jeff Hogg told Patch on Tuesday. "Our water/sewer department must be self-sufficient to sustain the quality of service the City of Northport supplies. While no one likes the thought of anything going up in price, the council has to rely upon the consultants who performed the rate study to give us justifiable hard numbers to make these type of decisions. It is our mission to be fiscally responsible while keeping the highest quality of service to our citizens."

The proposed increases will not be voted on Thursday night during the next regular City Council meeting. A vote on the measure will be held at the following City Council meeting.

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