Rockwall residents are set to experience a couple of rate increases on their City of Rockwall Utility bills in the near future. The solid waste contract with long-time partner Republic Services dictates a 3% increase in rates for garbage and recycling services for both residents and businesses. This uptick equates to an additional $.65 per month. Despite the increase, Rockwall customers will continue to benefit from unlimited bulk trash pickup, twice-weekly garbage services, and weekly recycling. The new garbage rates will take effect from January and will reflect on February bills.
In addition to the solid waste adjustments, the City Council periodically reviews and sets water and sewer rates. The purpose is to ensure sufficient funds for the city’s water and wastewater operations, debt service on significant utility projects, and the maintenance of a minimum 60-day reserve in case of revenue downturns.
Simultaneously, the North Texas Municipal Water District, the city's water provider, revises water rates to cover their expenses, debt service, and reserve requirements. This year's rate adjustment amounts to an increase of $.30 cents per thousand gallons of water. Notably, wastewater treatment costs have surged by 19.7% year over year.
The new base rate will see a rise of $.76 cents per month for water and $1.75 per month for wastewater. The volumetric rate will also experience an increase of approximately $.30 cents per thousand gallons for water and $.70 cents per thousand gallons for wastewater across all rate tiers. Wastewater billing will continue to be based on winter averaging, providing a more accurate reflection of domestic water usage compared to the higher consumption during summer months.
Despite these changes, residents will find some relief as there will be no increase in the cost for household hazardous waste collection. The Rockwall City Council has granted a five-year contract extension to HHW Solutions, LLC, the city’s hazardous waste provider for several years. This service allows residents the convenience of scheduled porch pickup for approved hazardous waste items.
