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Issue · Bangor, ME

Sewer Rate Increase

A proposed 9% sewer rate hike affects all municipal users to fund infrastructure and EPA compliance.

Overview

A 9% sewer rate increase averaging $3.84 per month was proposed to fund aging infrastructure and meet environmental compliance. The city council approved the measure in meetings on June 22 and June 23, 2026.

Background

The sewer rate increase originated as a proposal to adjust the city schedule of fees in order to address aging infrastructure needs and meet environmental compliance requirements.

At the June 22, 2026 city council meeting, the council considered a 9% sewer rate increase effective July 1, 2026, noting that the change would support infrastructure maintenance and expansion capacity while resulting in an average monthly impact of approximately $3.84 for residential users.

The council approved Council Order 26-227 to enact the rate increase.

The following day at the June 23, 2026 meeting, the council again addressed an amendment to the city schedule of fees for the same 9% sewer rate increase, citing the need to fund aging infrastructure and environmental compliance with minimal impact on the average residential user.

The item was moved and seconded and passed.

With approval in both meetings, the rate adjustment now stands as enacted policy to take effect July 1, 2026.

How it unfolded
Council considered a 9% sewer rate increase effective July 1, 2026 to maintain infrastructure and comply with environmental requirements, with average residential impact of approximately $3.84 per month; the order passed.
2026-06-22City Council
Council addressed amendment of the city schedule of fees for a proposed 9% sewer rate increase to fund aging infrastructure and environmental compliance; the item was moved and seconded and passed.
2026-06-23City Council
Arguments in favor
The increase would support aging infrastructure and expansion capacity.
city-council 2026-06-22
For
The increase is intended to maintain infrastructure and comply with environmental requirements.
city-council 2026-06-22
For
The change would fund aging infrastructure and environmental compliance with minimal impact on the average residential user.
city-council 2026-06-23
For
sewer rates9% increaseutility fees