International Falls considers water/sewer rate increases in ’26, ’27

Water and sewer rates in International Falls are expected to increase by 3% for the next two years.

Falls council approved first reading of an ordinance that will also include a new charge to service the debt on improvements to the water treatment plant.

The city narrowly agreed last June to spend almost $12 million on upgrades.

Mayor Drake Dill voiced his opposition to the increase.

“The reason I’m doing that is because I wanted to attempt to get state assistance with the plant rehab,” says Dill.

Consultants estimate the cost of servicing the debt will be about $850,000.

The proposed increases will move the monthly rate for water from $23.69 to $24.40 this year and to $25.13 in 2027, with additional costs based on usage.

The minimum charge in the sewer rate increases from $30.14 to $33.23 a month by 2027.

The money will go toward normal operating costs

All users in the city will be charged a fee of $17.00 in 2026 and $18.50 in 2027 toward the plant improvement costs.

The second and final reading of the ordinance is likely to come next month.