Water, sewer rates to increase in Quincy

QUINCY — Fees will increase for building permits, water, sewer and garbage services in Quncy in 2025. Quincy City Council members approved the increases at the regular meeting Tuesday. 

Finance Director Carrie Lnenicka said the city has tried to keep rates low, but the water and sewer systems both need upgrades. 

“In the past, we’ve tried to keep costs as low as possible for our residents, and our businesses and our industries, but as the needs for upgrades to our system grows, and compliance grows, we’ve got to be able to sustain those upgrades and we’ve got to able to (meet) those requirements,” she said. 

The basic charge for city water will increase to $22 per month for a three-quarter-inch meter, up from $18.50 per month. The basic rate for a one-inch meter will be $24.25, up from $20.40, and for a 1.5-inch meter, the charge will be $34, up from $28.50. For a 2-inch meter, the basic charge increases to $43.25 from $36.50. 

Most residences have one-inch meters, Lnenicka said in a separate interview, although some older houses in town have a three-quarter-inch meter.  

Water connection charges also increase; how much depends on the size of the meter. 

Sewer fees are based on the number of units. For a single-family home or a duplex, the charge will be $43 per month per unit, up from $40.20. Multi-residential customers will pay the same amount as residential units, with the same increase. Commercial customers will be charged $46 per unit per month, an increase from $37.60.  

Sewer connection fees also have changed, again depending on the size of the meter. Some water and sewer fees are still under review, Lnenicka said.  

Garbage rates depend on the size of the garbage can, measured in gallons for a can or yards for a large container. 

Most residences use a 64-gallon garbage can, and the fee for that increases to $15.15 per month for weekly disposal, up from $12.10. Some customers opt for a 64-gallon can picked up biweekly; the fee will be $7.75 per month, up from $6.10. In the case of garbage, there are rates for seniors. 

Large containers range in size from one yard to eight yards. For a one cubic yard container dumped once per week, the monthly rate will be $63.75, an increase from $51. A two cubic yard container dumped once a week will cost $110, up from $88, and a four cubic yard container emptied once a week will be $212.40, up from $169.99.  

“We are taking a very conservative approach to the increases that may be required,” Lnenicka said.  

The exception was building permit fees.  

“Note that the last time the cost of a building permit was updated was in 1997,” she said. “So we’ll see an increase of about 40% to bring it in line with today’s costs.” 

Building permit fees are based on the valuation of the project. 

The fee will be $924.25 for a project valued between $50,000 to $100,000 for the first $50,000, up from $643.75. Construction projects valued between $100,000 and $500,000 will be charged $1,431.75 for the first $100,000, an increase from $993.75. There are additional charges depending on the project valuation. 

Lnenicka said the city’s capital expenses for 2025 are focusing on water and sewer projects. 

“In 2024, we had $28.6 million in capital projects. In 2025 it looks like we have about $20 million in capital projects,” she said. “But 45% of that is water and sewer. Some major infrastructure improvements are underway.”