Residents of Duncanville should brace for a bump in their utility bills starting next month, following the City Council's approval of new water, sewer, and garbage rates. Rates are set to increase across various usage brackets for residential customers, with the updated charges reflected in the November billing cycle. This surge comes to fruition after discussion during the council's Regular Meeting on September 16, which put the stamp on these adjustments.
Starting October 1, a noticeable hike in water rates is in store for Duncanville households, as cited in documentation from the City of Duncanville. For residents consuming between 2,000 to 7,000 gallons, the rate will leap from $5.33 to $5.86 per thousand gallons, and those using over 31,000 gallons will see their rate jump from $10.05 to $11.05. Even with a senior discount, the increase is palpable, with the minimum charge rising from $17.86 to $19.64 for the first 1,000 gallons used.
Not just the water trickling through faucets seems costlier—sewer rates follow suit. Households are to expect the fixed base rate, including the first 1,000 gallons, to rise to $24.75 from the current $23.58. The variable rate per additional 1,000 gallons will also inflate modestly from $10.07 to $10.57. Seniors will witness their fixed base rate hiked to $22.28 from $21.22, along with the variable rate climbing to $9.51 from $9.06.
Concurrently, commercial and multi-family properties face amended rates as well. The minimal usage rate for water and sewer is slated for elevation, ascending from $19.84 to $21.83 for the initial 1,000 gallons. The subsequent tier for 2,000 to 7,000 gallons will shift from $4.79 to $5.27, according to the details from the aforementioned municipal news release.
Furthermore, trash collection won't be spared from the uptick, prompting curbside services—a common sighting in front of many Duncanville homes—to move from $28.96 to $30.41 per month. Alley-based collection takes a steeper step up, from $36.31 to $38.13, while commercial entities serviced by residential trucks will grapple with a new rate of $45.96, up from $43.77. It’s worth noting, however, that stormwater (drainage) rates remain steady, offering at least one fiscal reprieve amidst the volley of increases.
