Title
Preliminary 2026 Utility Operating Budget, Rates, and General Facility Charges
Recommended Action/UAC Deliverable:
Briefing only. No action requested at this time. Staff will present a briefing on the preliminary 2026 utility rates, general facility charges, and operating budgets for committee review and discussion.
Issue:
Review and provide input on the 2026 utility rates (including LOTT), operating budgets, and General Facility Charges (GFCs). The UAC will forward formal recommendations to the City Council in October for consideration during its budget deliberations in November/December.
Staff Contact:
Gary Franks, Public Works Waste ReSources Director, 360.753.8780
Mike Vessey, Public Works Drinking Water Utility Director, 360.753.8318
Presenters:
Same as above
Background and Analysis:
The Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) annually reviews City utility finances, customer rates, the capital facilities plan and general facilities charges.
City Utilities provide critical public health and environmental services. These services are delivered through four enterprise-funded utilities: Drinking Water, Wastewater, Storm and Surface Water, and Waste ReSources (i.e. solid waste) as well as through Olympia's partnership in the LOTT Clean Water Alliance for wastewater treatment. Each utility plays a distinct role in meeting community needs and ensuring regulatory compliance with state and federal agencies. City Utility responsibilities include:
? Delivering clean and reliable drinking water in sufficient quantity.
? Safely conveying wastewater to the LOTT Alliance for treatment and discharge.
? Managing solid waste and recycling systems for collection, diversion, and disposal.
? Reducing flooding risks, treating and protecting water quality, and preserving aquatic habitat.
These essential services protect Olympia's neighborhoods, infrastructure, and environment, while also building resilience to changing climate conditions such as increase...
Click here for full text