Wichita Falls residents question net savings of water rate cut amid stormwater fee hikes

Wichita Falls residents question net savings of water rate cut amid stormwater fee hikesA proposed 5% reduction in water rates is facing public scrutiny as residents argue that concurrent increases in stormwater charges will negate most of the financial relief.

A resident testified that the 5% water rate cut saves a typical home just $1.04 per month, while stormwater and garbage fee hikes reduce net savings to 73 cents.

The critique occurred during a public comment period regarding the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget, with a formal public hearing scheduled for September 1.

The City Council also approved a $117,509 deduct change order with Insituform Technologies for Phase 2 of the 2025 Water Budgeted Utility Improvement Project.

During the August 18 Wichita Falls City Council meeting, the city's proposed FY 2026-2027 budget faced criticism from a resident who argued that touted water rate reductions are being heavily offset by secondary utility fee increases. Resident Heather Langford addressed the council to challenge public messaging that celebrates a 5% reduction in local water rates. According to Langford, an examination of the budget's line items reveals that the water rate cut saves a typical household only about $1.04 per month. At the same time, the proposed budget includes increases to both stormwater charges and garbage collection fees. "When you add it all up, the actual net savings to a Wichita Falls family is a mere 73 cents a month," Langford told the council. "Promoting a 5% water cut while pulling the money back through secondary fee increases is cherry-picking data, and it insults the intelligence of the residents paying these bills." She urged the council to freeze the secondary utility fee hikes and provide a more transparent budget. A statutorily required public hearing on the budget is scheduled for September 1. In separate water infrastructure business, the council unanimously approved a consent agenda that included a deduct change order for an ongoing capital project. Change Order No. 2 for Phase 2 of the 2025 Water Budgeted Utility Improvement Project reduces the city's contract with Insituform Technologies, LLC by $117,509. The item was approved without further discussion.