Revised City Budget Sets Aside $15,000 to Study Heavy Water Use

Bainbridge Island’s revised budget would put $15,000 toward understanding unusually high residential water use. The money is now identified in the spending proposal that goes to the City Council for a final public hearing and possible adoption November 10.

The distinction matters for households served by the city water utility. The work discussed October 27 would examine how much water high-volume customers use, particularly in the dry season, and which responses the city could pursue. The proposed reallocation would pay for that work. It would leave current water rates and household usage rules in place.

The revised two-year spending plan totals $154.9 million, including transfers between city funds. The draft appropriates $84.7 million in 2027 and $70.2 million in 2028. Together those figures are $400,000 above the earlier proposal. The water study shifts existing general-fund money within the budget.

Council also asked about putting treated wastewater to beneficial use. The packet points back to an earlier presentation on potential uses and costs. Tuesday’s budget materials identify a request for a recommendation, with no reuse facility up for construction approval.

The final hearing is scheduled for 6:55 p.m. Pacific on Tuesday at City Hall, 280 Madison Ave. N. The November 10 Council packet includes the two years’ spending tables and staff’s water-use summary. BIEN’s earlier report covers the first hearing.