Salem sets Dec. 14 hearing on water, sewer and stormwater rate increases (Nov. 10)
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The Salem City Council voted unanimously Monday, with Councilor Brown absent, to hold a public hearing Dec. 14 on water, sewer and stormwater rates for 2027 and 2028.
Under the task force recommendation, a typical residential account would pay about $5.61 more a month in 2027 and another $6.48 a month in 2028, Public Works Director Brian Martin said.
The city's Water/Wastewater Task Force backed the recommendation 5-3; supporters cited aging pipes and rising costs, and opponents cited high living costs.
The city plans to mail postcards with a bill calculator and testimony information to all 54,450 utility account holders.
SALEM, Ore. - Salem water, sewer and stormwater customers will get their say Dec. 14 on proposed rate increases for the next two years, after the City Council voted Monday night to schedule a public hearing.
The vote to set the hearing was unanimous among the eight members present, with Councilor Brown absent, according to the city's meeting video. The council did not approve any rates Monday. Public Works Director Brian Martin said the council will take testimony and decide on fees, charges and utility rates for 2027 and 2028 at the December hearing.
What it would cost
Under the rate recommended by the city's Water/Wastewater Task Force, Martin said, a typical residential account would see an increase in 2027 of $2.19 a month for sewer and $1.13 a month for stormwater, plus water and a franchise fee, for a total of about $5.61 a month. A 5.5% increase the following year would add about $6.48 a month more in 2028, he said. Martin said that even with the increases, Salem's rates would stay at or below the lower third of comparable utilities.
The task force also recommended raising the rate for septage hauled to the city's waste processing facility near the Salem airport from 16 cents a gallon now to 19 cents in 2027 and 20 cents in 2028, and raising the rate for landfill leachate from 6 cents a gallon to 16 cents, matching Eugene. Martin said fewer treatment plants now accept leachate, which carries PFAS, often called forever chemicals.
The task force recommended raising emergency utility assistance to $500,000 a year, with up to $400 per account, from the current $400,000 a year and $350 per account, Martin said. That short-term help is separate from the city's ongoing rate relief program for low-income elderly or disabled heads of household.
Why the city says it needs more
Martin told the council that much of the system is decades old. He said one of the two transmission mains that carry all of Salem's drinking water from Geren Island is a 90-year-old, 36-inch concrete line that leaks 1 million to 2 million gallons a day, and that replacing one of those lines would likely take five years or more and cost $180 million to $200 million. He also cited new treatment requirements at the Willow Lake wastewater plant, an upgrade of the West Salem pump station and force mains, and recent sewer pipe breaks in West Salem.
He said the city invests $25 million to $35 million a year in capital work but that will not meet long-term needs, and that large projects will require bonds. He showed the council that a lower option of 3.5% increases in each of the next two years would likely force an 8.5% increase in 2029 to keep the utility's cash reserves within council policy.
Not unanimous
Martin said the task force, which includes city councilors, a Keizer councilor, a Marion County commissioner, water district and business representatives and community members, approved the recommendation 5-3. Supporters cited aging infrastructure, future investment needs and rising operating costs. Members who voted no pointed to the high prices residents already face and possible increases in other fees and taxes, he said. Martin said the no votes included the Salem Chamber's representative and Marion County Commissioner Kevin Cameron.
How to weigh in
Public hearing: Monday, Dec. 14, 2026, before the Salem City Council.
Martin said the city will mail postcards to all 54,450 utility account holders with a link to the city's website, information on how to testify and a bill calculator showing how the proposed increases would affect each bill. Septage and leachate haulers will be notified directly.
Agendas and staff reports are posted on the city's council meetings page.
Salem households face another rate question this month: PGE customers can also comment this week on the utility's proposed residential rate increase.
Willamette News watched the city's posted video of the meeting. Figures in this story are as presented by Martin; the full recommended rate schedule is in the city's staff report.
By the Willamette News Local Desk. Edited by Channing Webb.
Related stories
Sources
Capital Community Media: City of Salem Council Meeting, Nov. 9, 2026 (video), item 5.1, Water/Wastewater Task Force process and utility rate recommendations
Salem Reporter: City meeting: Water, wastewater and stormwater rates could increase next year, by Joe Siess (Nov. 9, 2026)
City of Salem: City Council meetings and agendas
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