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The five utilities - Solid Waste, Surface Water, Wastewater, Tacoma Power and Tacoma Water - have a number of services to help customers who qualify for help paying their bills. See payment assistance for more information or call (253) 502-8369.
How are Environmental Services' Rates Determined?
The City of Tacoma values a close relationship with its citizens. That relationship is essential in creating fair, responsive and cost-effective Environmental Services utility rates and programs. The Environmental Services Commission was created to represent the best interests of our residents and businesses by asking a broad range of representatives to learn about our programs and services, analyze our budget, and help make recommendations on behalf of the community members we serve. The (ESC) reviews and make recommendations to the city council, the city manager, and city staff on wastewater, surface water, and solid waste rates and rate structures, as well as services, policies, and programs developed by the department. The ESC's 15 members, all appointed by the city manager, represent a cross section of Tacoma's residential, business, and regulatory communities.
2021-2022 Environmental Services Commission Rate Revenue Presentation
Wastewater, Surface Water, and Solid Waste Cost of Service Rate Study
In early 2016, the City of Tacoma Environmental Services Department engaged Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. (RFC) to update the financial plan and cost of service rate study for its three utilities: wastewater management, surface water management, and solid waste management. The goal of the study was to ensure that rates are equitable to all customer classes while also providing the ability to recover sufficient revenue to fund the operating and capital expenses of the utilities, thus ensuring financial stability. Rate models for each of the utilities were developed as an important part of the study and have since been improved and continue to provide financial projections and rate proposals contained in this report.
View the 2019-2020 Environmental Services Rate Report.