North Bend will be holding a public hearing to receive input on a proposed water rate increase on May 4 during its city council meeting.

The city is proposing an annual 5.5% water rate increase for 2022-2026, as well as new charges for water connections to help fund operations, maintenance and planned capital improvements. The proposed increases come after the city received a completed study from FCS group.

North Bend hopes to issue low-interest bonds to fund roughly $23.5 million of anticipated capital improvements. This includes replacing several miles of aging asbestos concrete water main pipes in older neighborhoods, mitigation water projects, and a portion of the water system that will serve the Army National Guard project.

A press release from North Bend said that by law the city’s water utility has to be self-sufficient, and customer rates and general facilities charges are the only sources of revenue. It’s estimated that some 70% of the improvements will be funded by general facilities charges as the city continues to grow.

Oral comments can be presented during the May 4 virtual city council meeting. Written comment can be emailed to soppeadal@northbendwa.gov or mailed to the city clerk at 920 SE Cedar Falls Way, North Bend WA, 98045. Written comment must be received by May 3.