Baker City adjusts water billing periods to compensate for May billing issues
By Logan Bagett on Monday, December 22nd, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY – (Release from the City of Baker City)
Important Reminder to Utility Customers
In April and May 2025, the City updated its water billing method and completed a reconciliation of water meter readings with customer billings. Any resulting adjustments were reflected on the May/June billing statements. Beginning with the June/July billing cycle, customers are now billed based on water usage from their most recent meter reading. The information below outlines how water usage is currently billed.
Water meters are read every other month from April through November. Usage during this period is billed in two equal monthly installments. Water meters are not read from December through March; during these months, customers are billed base charges only.
Water usage is measured in units, with one unit equal to approximately 750 gallons. The base charge includes three units of water. Any usage exceeding the base amount is billed at a rate of $1.13 per additional unit.
During the months when meters are not read (December through March), residential customers are billed the base rate only. While the base rate varies by meter size, most residential customers are charged $96.93 per month. This amount includes a water base charge of $53.28, a sewer base charge of $33.65, and a $10 public safety fee.
While the City implemented necessary software updates and reconciled water usage accounts, utility billing fell approximately 30 days behind schedule. As a result, customers did not receive a water bill in May. Over the next three months, the City will gradually shorten the time between the end of the billing period and the bill date. Billing dates are expected to be fully realigned by the March billing cycle, at which time issues affecting auto-pay will also be resolved.
During this transition period, customers may choose to temporarily discontinue auto-pay or set a maximum payment amount to manage withdrawals from their accounts.
Finance staff are available to review billing statements in person or by phone and are happy to assist with any questions or concerns. The City appreciates your patience and cooperation and wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year.
