Hattiesburg, Mississippi — The Hattiesburg City Council voted unanimously November 3 to adopt water and sewer rate adjustments that will support continued replacement and rehabilitation of aging infrastructure throughout the city.

The adopted plan calls for a 4% increase beginning January 1, 2027, followed by an additional 3% increase in 2028. No increases are included for 2029 or 2030. The adjustments come as communities across the region increase utility rates to address infrastructure needs and rising project costs.

For customers using up to 3,000 gallons per month, the combined minimum water and sewer bill will increase from $46.66 to $48.50 in 2027 and to $50 in 2028. Garbage and optional recycling fees are separate.

“Our goal is to keep rates as low as possible while making the investments our water and sewer systems need,” Mayor Toby Barker said. “These adjustments, combined with outside funding, will help us continue replacing aging infrastructure and provide reliable service for our residents.”

Each adjustment is projected to generate approximately $1 million in additional annual revenue for capital improvements. The review focused on infrastructure investments needed over the next four years, rather than increased personnel or operating costs. The most recent rate adjustment was passed by the City Council in October 2021.

Planned improvements include replacing old and undersized water lines, strengthening fire protection capacity and rehabilitating sewer infrastructure to meet federal consent decree requirements. A half-dozen water projects are underway or expected to begin soon in neighborhoods across all five wards.

The city will continue using low-interest State Revolving Fund loans with opportunities for principal forgiveness, infrastructure use tax revenue and state and federal funding to limit the impact on customers. Higher contributions from sewer customers outside city limits will also help support the system.

Together, these resources and the adopted adjustments will support continued investment in Hattiesburg’s water and sewer infrastructure.

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