March Beacon
City News & Events
ICYMI: Utility Rate Changes Effective with February 1, 2026 Billing
At its February 17, 2026 meeting, the Baldwin City Council approved a series of utility rate adjustments for residential customers. These changes take effect with all utility usage beginning February 1, 2026.
Sewer Rates
Debt fee: $16.00 per meter (unchanged)
Usage charge: $12.31 per 1,000 gallons of water used per meter
This reflects a $0.93 increase from the previous rate of $11.38.
Water Rates
Debt fee: $9.72 per meter
Decreased from $14.94
Usage charge: $19.84 per 1,000 gallons
Increased from $17.17
Trash & Recycling Rates
(These changes reflect contractual increases passed through from Green Environmental Services.)
Trash service: $25.58 per customer (up from $23.71)
Additional trash carts: $5.55 each (up $0.40)
Voluntary recycling service: $14.51 per customer (up $0.73)
Additional recycling bins: $13.39 each (up from $12.78)
Electric Rates
Debt fee: $27.88 per meter (an increase of $2.88)
Energy charge: $0.1411 per kilowatt hour
This rate remains unchanged.
Each of these ordinances passed by City Council are available to read on the City website, at the article Utility Rate Changes Effective February 1.
Now Hiring: Open positions at Public Works and the Police Department
Baldwin City Police Department is currently hiring a patrol officer. Find out more about the department and this position and apply on the department page. Go directly to the job information from the button below.
The Public Works Department is hiring two seasonal maintenance technicians — one for the street crew and one for parks. Job descriptions and applications are available on their department page and on the city job page.
Texting Tool for Utility Customers: what to expect
A new council-approved project is getting ready to launch, to bring updates about utility outages and other information to residents.
Over the next few weeks, you may receive a text notification that asks if you’d like to opt in to receive information related to utility service, public safety, and community well-being. If you do not opt out by texting STOP to 785-594-5168, you will receive updates. You may also choose to send information to 785-594-5168 in the event of an outage, and you will have the ability to ask questions directly.
Each customer will also receive a postcard with information about the software, called Outifi, asking if you’d like to update your contact information with the City. You may also just call City Hall directly at 785-594-6427 to update your phone number.
New Resource Page for Residents: find the kind of help you need
Need help paying a utility bill, rent, or temporary grocery help? Want tips on how to safely conserve energy, reduce your utility bills, and more? There is a new resource portal available on the City Website to help you find the resources you need to live well in Baldwin City.
Upcoming Events
March 17, City Council Meeting
March 13-20
USD 348 Spring Break
March 16-20
Baker U Spring Break
April 25
DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at the Baldwin City Police Department
