local
City of Hillsboro increased water rates for the fourth time
By Chantale Belefanti at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· June 19, 2026
· 2 min read
The city of Hillsboro increased water, sewer, and trash rates for local residents earlier this week -- the fourth increase by the city. Water rates increased by 15% Residents will see the new rate reflected in August.BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:The situation has gotten very real in terms of water and se...
Key takeaway BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:The situation has gotten very real in terms of water and sewer and the demands on the system," said Megan Henderson, city manager for the city of Hillsboro.
Why this matters in The Waco
The city of Hillsboro's decision to increase water rates for the fourth time since 2024 will have a significant impact on local residents, particularly those on fixed incomes. A 15% increase may seem manageable to some, but for others, like the 77-year-old resident who cited a $200 increase, it's a substantial burden. The city's high debt, largely due to the amount owed to Aquilla water and ongoing projects, is the driving force behind the increase. As Hillsboro's residents adjust to the new rates, which will be reflected in August, they will be watching to see if the city's efforts to address its debt and fund necessary projects will ultimately benefit the community. The fact that the city considered a 50% increase, but settled on 15%, suggests that there may be more rate adjustments on the horizon, making it crucial for residents to stay informed and engaged in the city's financial decision-making process.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The city of Hillsboro increased water, sewer, and trash rates for local residents earlier this week -- the fourth increase by the city. Water rates increased by 15% Residents will see the new rate reflected in August.BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:The situation has gotten very real in terms of water and se...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Chantale Belefanti at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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