Proposed FY 2025-26 investments tackle aging infrastructure and new regulations while ensuring customer rates remain predictable
Washington County, Oregon— Clean Water Services’ (CWS) Budget Committee will meet at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 9, and at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 23, to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget. The public meetings will take place at the Charles D. Cameron Public Services Building Auditorium, located at 155 North First Avenue, Hillsboro, Oregon.
The proposed budget was prepared with the pre-planned 4% combined increase in sanitary sewer and surface water management (SWM) rates, effective July 1, 2025, and allocates $147.1 million for capital investments to improve and protect clean water in the Tualatin River Watershed. For the average residential customer, the Clean Water Services rate increases would amount to approximately $2.65 per month. Recognizing the extraordinary circumstances, this typical rate adjustment will be further reviewed in a June 3 Board Work Session. The CWS Board of Directors will consider the proposed rate increase at its June 17 public hearing.
The rate increase is needed to comply with stricter federal water quality regulations, fund debt service for major upgrades to CWS’ four water resource recovery facilities and wastewater conveyance system and support the watershed’s overall health.
To fund these capital improvements, CWS may issue bonds in FY 2025-26, leveraging its AAA credit rating to secure favorable interest rates. This strategy spreads costs over time and helps prevent sudden rate spikes. Over the past decade, CWS has maintained a steady and measured approach to rate adjustments, with average annual increases of 3.49%, closely tracking the regional cost-of-living increases.
“We’re taking a back-to-basics approach, focusing on careful financial management as Clean Water Services navigates increasing regulatory pressures and upholds its responsibility to our ratepayers,” said Diane Taniguchi-Dennis, Chief Executive Officer of Clean Water Services. “This budget reflects our commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and strategic investment in the community’s infrastructure. CWS remains financially strong, offering the region’s lowest rates — a testament to our innovative workforce and strong partnerships that enable us to meet the most stringent regulatory requirements.”
Clean Water Services serves urban Washington County, which has seen a 4.9% increase in population since 2016, reaching over 611,000 residents. With continued growth anticipated, Sanitary System Development Charges (SDCs) are proposed to rise from $7,009 to $7,139 per Equivalent Dwelling Unit. Surface Water Management SDCs are proposed to increase from $678 to $691 per Equivalent Service Unit. These one-time fees ensure new development contributes its fair share to capital infrastructure.
The total proposed budget for FY 2025-26 is $752.2 million and includes:
- $147.1 million for capital projects
- $139.9 million for departmental operations
- $19.6 million for debt service
- $61 million in contingency
- $11.3 million for other fund outlays
The Capital Improvement Program budget of $147.1 million includes the following major investments:
- $60.3 million for the construction, operation, and maintenance of CWS’ four water resource recovery facilities in Tigard, Hillsboro, and Forest Grove
- $36 million for building facilities and maintenance
- $36 million for wastewater conveyance infrastructure
- $5 million for natural systems investments, including stream corridor restoration
- $3.5 million for technology, including cybersecurity infrastructure
- $3.3 million for fleet vehicles
- $2.5 million for surface and stormwater infrastructure repairs and replacements
- $375,000 for water reuse projects
The CWS Budget Committee, composed of the five-member CWS Board of Directors and five community representatives, will review the proposed budget and make a recommendation to the CWS Board of Directors. The Board will consider adopting the approved budget at a public hearing on Tuesday, June 17.
Any person may appear at the meetings and discuss the proposed budget. The meetings will be livestreamed from the CWS YouTube channel and the Washington County YouTube channel. The meetings will also be available virtually on Zoom. Anyone wishing to provide public testimony via Zoom by phone or online must register using the form link at https://forms.co.washington.or.us/form/public-testimony-sign-up.
Find more information at cleanwaterservices.org/budget.
Clean Water Services (CWS) is a county service district organized under Oregon Revised Statute 451. CWS works with Washington County and 12 partner cities to provide sewer and stormwater services in the urban areas of the Tualatin River Watershed. The CWS Board of Directors is made up of elected officials who also serve as Washington County Commissioners.
