City adjusts fee structures for capital planning, sustainability

City adjusts fee structures for capital planning, sustainability

Published on October 01, 2025

The new year will bring new rates and fees for certain City services that were approved by City Council in September.

The City estimates the average Fort Worth homeowner will pay about $56.88 more in user fees on an annual basis. That amount will be partially offset by a property tax rate decrease of a quarter of a cent, from the current rate of 67.25 cents. The lower rate is estimated to reduce an average homeowner's tax bill by about $20 per year. The impact on individual residential customers will vary based on property value and use of services.

Here are some of the rate adjustments approved by City Council:

Water. Rates will increase in 2026 for commercial, industrial and irrigation customers, but not for residential customers. Instead, there are changes to the amount of water included in residential tiers 2 and 3 to encourage more efficient outdoor watering. The impact on individual residential customers will vary based on monthly water use. Efficient and typical water users will not see a change in monthly charges. Residential customers whose monthly water use exceeds 12 CCF (8,977.2 gallons) will see higher water bills.

Stormwater utility fee. Ratepayers will see a 5% increase to the stormwater utility fee, which is charged on the water utility bill. The new rate will generate $2.4 million to fund channel restoration projects and replace aging equipment, helping minimize flooding and property damage and protecting infrastructure. The average residential property owner (Tier 2) will see their rate go up 35 cents, from $6.94 to $7.29 per month. Rates for other residential tiers will also increase, based on house square footage. Rates for properties such as commercial or industrial will also increase, based on impervious surface. The rate change takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Solid waste. Residential rates for garbage pickup are increasing. A 32-gallon cart goes from $12.50 monthly to $13.75; a 64-gallon cart from $17.50 to $19.50; and a 96-gallon cart from $22.75 to $25.75.

Environmental protection. The monthly residential fee increases from $1.50 to $2.25. This increase goes into effect Jan. 1 and is charged on the water utility bill.

Food inspection. Following passage of Texas Senate Bill 1008, which standardized food service regulations, the department has consolidated and increased certain health- and food-related fees to align with state standards. These fees took effect Sept. 1.

Emergency medical services. The City, which began providing EMS service in July, is maintaining the same rates previously charged by MedStar.

Development services. The City will begin charging a percentage of the overall transaction to cover credit card processing fees.

Public events. A phased adjustment to convention center rental rates will be in place over the next five years. Rates will be reduced during construction periods when space availability is limited, then increased once facilities return to service, aligning pricing with market conditions.

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