The recent budget workshop held by the Garland City Council on August 16, 2025, focused on critical financial adjustments necessary for maintaining and improving the city's water and wastewater services. As the city grapples with rising operational costs, officials outlined proposed rate increases aimed at ensuring the sustainability of these essential services.

One of the primary discussions centered around the need for a 4.8% increase in water rates and a 4.2% increase in wastewater rates. For the average residential customer, this translates to an overall increase of approximately $4.57 per month. City officials emphasized that these adjustments are necessary to cover rising costs and maintain service quality, particularly as neighboring cities are proposing even steeper increases, ranging from 5% to 15%.

The workshop also highlighted the significant financial pressures stemming from the North Texas Municipal Water District, which is expected to raise wholesale water rates by as much as 56% over the next five years. This increase is attributed to necessary investments in infrastructure and treatment facilities to meet regional water supply demands. Garland, however, benefits from having its own wastewater treatment plant, which is projected to save residents money in the long run compared to cities reliant on the district's services.

In addition to rate adjustments, the council discussed the rising costs of landscape maintenance for city facilities, which have seen significant increases. The city is exploring options to redirect staff back to core maintenance tasks, such as managing pumps and valves, rather than outsourcing these services. This strategic shift aims to enhance operational efficiency and reduce reliance on contractors.

The council also addressed the rates charged to other cities that utilize Garland's wastewater services. Officials indicated that these rates are being reviewed to ensure they align with the cost of service, with some neighboring cities facing similar increases. This approach aims to balance the financial burden on residents while ensuring that external users contribute fairly to the system's upkeep.

As the city prepares for these changes, officials plan to revisit the proposed rates annually, ensuring that they remain competitive while adequately funding necessary infrastructure improvements. The discussions from this workshop underscore the city's commitment to maintaining high-quality water and wastewater services amidst rising costs and regulatory demands.