Updated city utility tax, rate increases take effect in January

Key Takeaways:

• Utility bills in Anacortes will rise in January.
• Inflation plays a significant role in rising costs.
• Sewer and stormwater rates will also increase.
• The city is imposing its first-ever tax hike on water and sewer services.
• All utility customers in Anacortes will be affected.

Headline and Context

“New year, new fees” is the phrase that looms over Anacortes, as residents prepare to see higher utility bills with the dawn of 2026. While inflation contributes to the uptick, there are other changes in store that will impact water, sewer, and stormwater costs.

Inflation and Its Effects

Inflation has been identified as one of the causes behind rising utility bills. For local households, these cost increases mean tighter budgets and closer examination of monthly expenses.

Sewer and Stormwater Adjustments

A separate factor is the planned hikes to sewer and stormwater rates. Although exact figures were not disclosed, officials note these changes are part of the city’s broader strategy to fund and maintain vital infrastructure.

First-Ever Utility Tax Increase

Perhaps the biggest shift on the horizon is the first-ever increase to Anacortes’s tax on water, sewer, and other related services. Local authorities are implementing this measure to address budgetary needs and keep pace with operational demands.

Implications for Residents

The combination of inflation, rate increases, and the city’s newly raised utility tax will affect all Anacortes utility customers. As bills arrive in January, locals will experience directly how these rates and fees translate into higher monthly expenses. Officials and community members alike will be paying close attention to the financial impact and any potential benefits these changes bring to city services.