Wilsonville, Ore., proposes sewer, stormwater rate increases to fund $240 million upgrades
(UI) — Wilsonville is considering increases to sewer and stormwater utility rates to fund more than $240 million in infrastructure upgrades over the next two decades.
The rate review follows the city’s adoption of updated master plans for its wastewater treatment plant and stormwater systems in 2024. Those plans outlined significant capital needs, including replacing aging infrastructure, expanding capacity for growth and complying with regulatory requirements.
The city hired financial consultant FCS Group in August 2024 to evaluate monthly utility fees and system development charges (SDCs), one-time fees paid by developers to fund growth-related infrastructure. Current rates have not been adjusted for inflation — sewer rates were last updated in 2014 and stormwater rates in 2021 — leaving the city unable to fully fund upcoming projects.
City staff said inflation in construction costs, up more than 50% since 2020, has further strained funding for needed improvements. “Several essential capital projects must be completed in the next 5-20 years to meet projected growth, maintain and/or replace failing systems, and meet regulatory requirements,” staff documents note, including an $80-$90 million membrane bioreactor project.
Public review is underway. The city issued a 90-day notice in June and a 60-day notice in July, with a public hearing on the proposed SDC changes scheduled for Sept. 15. Adoption of new utility fees is expected in October, with rate changes taking effect in 2026.
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