City of Union approves new water and sewer rates
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION – During a regular meeting on the evening of Monday, January 12, the City of Union city council officially approved resolution 2026-02, Resolution Adjusting Water and Wastewater Rates Effective April 1, 2026. The resolution, as per its title, formally adopts three percent increases for both the Water and Sewer rates for the city of Union. The full text of the resolution is as follows:
WHEREAS, administration for the City of Union has reviewed water and wastewater revenues and expenditures over the past year; and,
WHEREAS, administration has found that water revenues are beginning to show signs of falling behind due to a substantial increase of supplies over the two years; and,
WHEREAS, administration has found wastewater revenues have not been keeping up with the current rate of inflation on supplies; and,
WHEREAS, administration advises that wastewater rates and water rates need an increase, but not at the set rates as defined in Ordinance 563, as codified in Union City Code 50.068(F)(7); and,
WHEREAS, administration believes the rates of water needs an adjustment of 3% and wastewater rates needs an adjustment of 3%.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council, in regular assembly, does hereby declare and resolve the proposed changes shall be applied to the City of Union water and wastewater rates:
1. 3% increase per each REU (Resident Equivalent Unit) category on wastewater
2. 3% increase per each REU (Resident Equivalent Unit) category on water
3. Rates shall take effect on the April billing cycle.
According to discussion between Union City Administrator Celeste Tate and members of the City Council during the meeting, the new rates are necessitated by a general increase of upkeep costs (such as water treatment chemicals) and capital costs associated with aging infrastructure.
According to information posted by the city (which can be found here), Union is projected to experience a final deficit of $19,902.47 in city water revenue for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. With the 3% increase, along with a transfer of $207,000 to address capital improvements for aging infrastructure, the city is projected to have a positive water revenue balance for 2026-2027 of $2,328.17.
Sewer revenue is actually projected to be positive for the 2025-2026 fiscal year at $14,152.25, though the 2026-27 projections are lower at $6,939.20. Part of the expenditures for sewer operations include a $177,000 sewer debt payment for prior improvements.
All documents discussed during the meeting can be found here.
