Lebanon Council Set to Vote on Utility Hikes

Lebanon, Tennessee, is considering increases to water, sewer and natural gas rates after a multiyear study, with added revenue intended to cover operating costs and infrastructure projects, including expanded water treatment and a new wastewater plant. For a household using 5,000 gallons, the proposed monthly increases are $6.48 for water and $6.47 for sewer; natural gas bills would rise by about $16.94, marking the department’s first rate increase since 2006. The city also proposes raising developers’ one-time water capacity fees from $2,500 to $2,970 per unit and sewer fees from $4,500 to $8,274. The council is scheduled to begin considering the changes Nov. 17, with a second vote required for approval; gas increases would take effect in December and water and sewer increases in January 2027. A state comptroller has urged the city to address its utility finances before year’s end, while city officials say the changes also shift more growth-related costs to developers.