Richmond sets water and garbage rate increases through 2030

Richmond residents' monthly water and garbage bills are set to rise each year under rate measures the City Council approved on June 16, 2026. Each passed 4-0, with Councilmember Wood absent. ^[1]

Under Ordinance 2026-06, the culinary water base rate for 0 to 10,000 gallons, now $65 a month, becomes $66 on July 1, 2026, $67 in 2027, $68 in 2028, $69 in 2029 and $70 on July 1, 2030. Usage surcharges stay at $1 per 1,000 gallons from 10,001 to 100,000 gallons and $2 per 1,000 gallons above that. ^[1]

Under Resolution 2026-04, the 60-gallon garbage rate goes from $19.50 to $21.50 on July 1, 2026, $22.50 in 2027 and $23.50 in 2028. The 90-gallon rate goes from $22 to $24, $25 and then $26 on the same dates. ^[1]

The council also held a hearing on Ordinance 2026-07, covering sewer billing and rates. ^[1]

Officials' pay

Ordinance 2026-05 set compensation for city officials. Councilmember Black moved to change the increase for the council and mayor from 3.5% to 0%, and the motion passed 3-1, with Councilmember Draxler voting no. The minutes list current annual pay of $7,499.18 for the mayor and $2,972.84 for each council member. ^[1]

In April 2026, staff's initial fiscal 2027 budget presentation included a 3.5% cost-of-living wage adjustment. ^[2]

The council approved the June 16 minutes 5-0 on July 21, 2026. ^[3]