Salt Lake City announced on August 28, 2026, that it is proposing rate increases for water, sewer, stormwater, street lighting, and curbside waste services as part of the municipal fiscal year 2027 budget. The proposed adjustments would take effect in July 2026 and would be applied as percentage-based changes to customer bills.
Utility Rate Adjustments
The proposed utility increases would impact a wide range of residents depending on the specific services they receive. According to the City of Salt Lake City, property owners and tenants billed for water, stormwater, sewer, and streetlighting services would see monthly rate increases on their utility bills if the budget is approved.
These utility changes are not limited to residents within the city limits. The Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities provides water utility billing to customers located in Millcreek, Cottonwood Heights, Holladay, South Salt Lake, Midvale, Murray, and unincorporated Salt Lake County. Residents in these areas should use an interactive map provided by the city to confirm if they are within the specific service area affected by these proposed changes.
Waste and Recycling Services
In addition to water and sewer services, the city is proposing increases for curbside waste and recycling services. Like the water utility adjustments, these waste service rate increases would be reflected on the monthly utility bill of property owners and tenants.
The city noted that the specific increase a customer experiences would depend on the specific services they receive, as not all customers will be affected in the same manner. Any changes to a resident's bill would be based on a percentage and would vary according to the user's specific usage and account type.
Property Tax Implications
Beyond utility bills, the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget includes changes to property taxes. Salt Lake City property owners would see an increase in the Salt Lake City share of their property tax bill if the proposal is approved. The city clarified that this increase applies only to the city's portion of the bill, not the resident's full property tax bill.
These property tax changes are expected to take effect this fall, following the approval of the budget.
Public Engagement and Feedback
The Salt Lake City Council is facilitating public engagement regarding these proposed financial changes. The city is encouraging residents to submit public feedback on the rate increases as part of the annual budget process.
Public comment is being accepted through shapeSLC, which serves as the city's official public engagement platform. The city previously scheduled two public hearings to allow for community input on the budget: one held on May 19, 2026, and another held on June 2, 2026.
Local Governance Processes
While Salt Lake City moves through its budget process, the Town of Bluff maintains its own protocols for community involvement. The Town of Bluff provides a process for general public comments through its official government website to ensure residents can participate in local governance.
