Utility bills were mailed on June 30, 2026, and are due by July 30, 2026. All payments must be received by the due date on your bill; postmarks will not be accepted. If you have bill pay set up through your bank, please ensure they know the payment must be received by the due date to be considered on time.
Residents can request a copy of their bills from either the Utility or Clerk’s office. To do so, please email utility@essexjunction.org or Clerks@essexjunction.org or call 802-878-6944 and select option 6 or 7.
Explanation of Your Bill:
Your utility bill consists of two primary components: the usage charges for water, wastewater, and sanitation, and fixed rates that support our water, wastewater, sanitation, and stormwater services. These fees are essential for covering operational costs and for funding our capital plan, which aims to proactively manage repairs and replacements in our aging infrastructure.
Utility Rates Effective July 1, 2026, for FY27
The following FY27 utility rates will be effective July 1 and will be reflected on the October utility bills. The following chart provides a comparison of current (FY26) and July 1 (FY27) utility rates.
Rate: | Current FY26 Rates: | FY27 Rates Effective July 1, 2026: |
Water Usage Rate | $0.0300 / cubic foot | $0.0320 / cubic foot |
Water Annual Fixed Charge | $173.64 / year | $183.44 / year |
Wastewater Treatment Usage Rate | $0.0155 / cubic foot | $0.0170 / cubic foot |
Wastewater Treatment Annual Fixed Charge | $166.17 / year | $178.49 / year |
Sanitation Usage Rate | $0.0090 / cubic foot | $0.0100 / cubic foot |
Sanitation Annual Fixed Charge | $155.12 / year | $168.83 / year |
Large Water User Rate | $0.167 / 1,000 gallons | $0.158 / 1,000 gallons |
Wastewater Treatment Wholesale Rate | $4.327 / 1,000 gallons | $4.315 / 1,000 gallons |
Stormwater Equivalent Residential Unit Rate | $54.32 / ERU / year | $88.91 / ERU / year |
Reasons for the Rate Increases Effective July 1, 2026:
This fiscal year, both usage rates and fixed costs have increased due to higher operational expenses and payroll costs. Key factors include:
- Water Fund: Higher operating costs, increased investments in capital, increased administrative expenses, and increased cost of water purchased from Champlain Water District.
- Wastewater Fund (the wastewater treatment facility): Personnel-related costs, higher operating expenses, and increased investments in capital.
- Sanitation Fund (the sewer infrastructure that connects properties to the wastewater treatment facility): Increased investments in capital and increased administrative fees.
- Stormwater Fund: Addition of investments in capital, which was excluded from the FY26 budget, to help limit rate impacts during the utility's first year of operation.
For specific questions about your bill, please contact us at 802-878-6944, Option 6, or utility@essexjunction.org.
City of Essex Junction Utility Bill Payment Reminders
All payments must be received by the due date on your bill. Postmarks will not be accepted. Please note that a $25 fee will be applied for any returned payments.
If you have bill pay set up through your bank, please make sure payments are mailed to 2 Lincoln Street.
We offer several payment options:
- Pay online at www.essexjunction.org - look for the Pay Bills Online button.
- Pay in person at the Clerk’s office at 2 Lincoln Street during regular hours (Mon-Fri 8 am-4:30 pm).
- Drop your payment after hours in the drop box located at 2 Lincoln Street.
- Mail your payment to 2 Lincoln Street.