Photo by Michael Whitney.
MONROE — The City Council passed Mayor Geoffrey Thomas’s biennial budget unanimously, 7-0, during its Nov. 19 meeting. The budget outlines spending around $173.6 million in various departments and services, despite expecting $142.7 million in revenue. The city will use $30 million in reserve funds to proceed with the budget.
Before passing, the council added some financial amendments. These include plans to invest in improvements at Currie View Park by 2025, while simultaneously divesting from a study to transition the city’s vehicle fleet to electric and alternative fuel sources.
The council approved the mayor’s request to increase property taxes by 1%, and an additional 1% increase which would permanently fund the hiring of a new staff member at the Parks Department. The budget was written in preparation for a growing suburbia, as the council expects the construction of 180 new housing units within Monroe over the next two years.
With its passing, the biennial budget will now support the mayor’s strategic priorities, which are to “create accessible parks and healthy waterways; support local businesses; and ensure a safe place for all,” wrote Thomas to the council.
2025 Utility rates
Utility rates will increase in 2025 for both the Water and Stormwater rates. In 2024, the average monthly water bill within Monroe was $28.07, which has seen a set amount increase of about $1.50 every two years, since 2020. Next year, the water bill will increase by 3%, or about 90 cents, to an average of $28.97 per month.
Stormwater bills have been raised the most dramatically in recent years, going from $13.81 per month in 2020 to $21.14 per month today, but it has remained a flat rate. It will be increased by 10% in 2025, resulting in a $23.25 bill per month.
Sewer bills have remained the same flat rate, $92.15 per month, over the last four years. They will not be increased under the new budget.
In total, Monroe residents can expect a cumulative $3 increase in what they pay for their water utilities. These larger costs, however, will remain below those experienced by the average U.S household. Water bills, for example, are $39.16 nation-wide, which is roughly $10 more on average.
At its Nov. 19 meeting, the council approved the six-year future rate plans for 2026 and six years on.
The council meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m, in the Monroe School District building, 14692 179th Ave. SE.
