Bristow Utility Rates Increase As City Faces Rising Operating Costs

Bristow Utility Rates Increase As City Faces Rising Operating Costs

Bristow utility rates are increasing after city officials approved higher water and trash service charges to help offset rising operating expenses, inflation and increased contract costs.

The City of Bristow says the changes include a 3% increase in water rates and an 8.5% increase in trash service rates, with the adjustments taking effect as the city works to maintain essential public services. Mayor Kris Wyatt publicly apologized for not notifying residents sooner but said the increases were necessary to keep pace with growing infrastructure and operational expenses.

Bristow Utility Rates Increase For Water And Trash Service

The largest increase affects trash collection, where city officials say costs have climbed 8.5% after Bristow's waste management contract increased by approximately $250,000 over the past two years.

Water rates are also increasing by 3%, continuing what city leaders describe as an annual adjustment that has funded improvements to Bristow's aging water and sewer infrastructure over the past eight years.

Information posted by the City of Bristow explains that utility revenues are used to maintain critical public infrastructure, including water distribution and wastewater systems, while supporting ongoing maintenance projects throughout the community.

For many residents, the actual monthly increase will depend on household water usage. For example, a customer paying $50 per month for water would see an increase of about $1.50, while a $25 monthly trash bill would increase by approximately $2.13.

Why The City Says The Increases Are Necessary

Mayor Wyatt said inflation has significantly increased the cost of everyday municipal operations, making it more expensive to complete routine maintenance projects throughout Bristow.

Basic services such as repairing potholes, replacing damaged light poles, painting street markings and maintaining city infrastructure now cost considerably more than they did just a few years ago.

Rather than relying solely on utility customers, city leaders say budget reductions have already been made in other municipal departments to reduce the overall financial impact on residents before approving the latest utility adjustments.

Residents with questions about their utility bills or the approved rate increases can contact city officials through the City of Bristow Mayor and City Council, where contact information for elected officials and ward representatives is available.

Residents Can Lower Monthly Utility Bills

While the new Bristow utility rates will affect most customers, the city says residents can reduce part of the increase by enrolling in its automatic payment program.

Customers who participate in automatic draft billing receive a $5 monthly discount on their utility bill, helping offset a portion of the new rate adjustments.

The City of Bristow Utility Billing Department can also answer questions about monthly bills, payment options and enrollment in the automatic payment program.

City officials acknowledge that no one welcomes higher utility costs but say the increases are intended to ensure Bristow can continue providing reliable water, sewer and sanitation services while keeping up with rising costs and maintaining essential infrastructure for the community.

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