Politics

Belleville City Council Approves Water Rate Freeze in 2026 Budget to Stabilize Household Expenses

The one-year freeze holds water and wastewater charges steady for all residential accounts in Belleville starting August 1.

By Belleville Policy Desk · Published 8 July 2026

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Belleville City Council Approves Water Rate Freeze in 2026 Budget to Stabilize Household Expenses — Photo by (vincent desjardins) / flickr (by)

The Belleville City Council passed the 2026 fiscal budget on July 2 that includes a freeze on residential water and wastewater rates through the end of the calendar year. The measure covers the city's 45,000 household accounts served by the Belleville Public Utilities Commission.

Regional supply costs for treatment chemicals rose 11 percent in the first half of 2026 according to the utility's quarterly report. City staff presented the freeze as a direct response to those pressures while maintaining current service levels at the Belleville Water Treatment Plant on River Road.

Effects on Monthly Household Bills

An average Belleville household using 6,000 gallons per month will continue to pay the existing $42.75 base charge plus volume fees. The decision avoids a planned 6 percent increase that would have added $2.60 to the monthly bill starting in August. Residents in the west-side wards, where median household income sits at $58,400, will see the largest share of that avoided cost according to 2025 census tract data used in the budget papers.

The freeze also keeps the fixed sewer surcharge at $18.90 per account. Local advocates note that combined water and sewer charges represent 2.1 percent of median household income in Belleville, a figure drawn from the city's 2025 affordability study.

Implementation Timeline and Reviews

Rate tables will remain unchanged on customer statements mailed after August 1. The Belleville Public Utilities Commission will submit a mid-year revenue report to the city council on December 15. Any extension of the freeze into 2027 will require a separate vote before the new fiscal year begins on January 1.

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