Public Workshops and Materials
Public participation shapes the rate study. This page is the permanent record of every workshop, presentation, and community conversation held as part of the process, so the public and the City Council can reference what was presented and what was heard.
Public Workshop 1 — Understanding the Need
The first workshop introduced the stormwater funding challenge, explained why a rate change was being considered, and gathered community feedback on flooding concerns and service priorities.
Topics covered
- Overview of Newport’s stormwater system and infrastructure needs
- Why the current funding approach (stormwater costs embedded in the sewer rate) is no longer aligned with the cost of service
- Community feedback on flooding and neighborhood drainage concerns
- Launch of the community survey
What we heard
- 75 percent of respondents rate flooding and drainage as very or most important
- 50 percent somewhat understand current water and sewer billing; 30 percent understand it very well; 15 percent not at all
- Three recurring themes: flooding, fairness, and affordability
Public Workshop 2 — Funding Newport’s Utilities
The April 1 workshop presented the proposed rate framework, including the dedicated stormwater fee based on impervious area and the restructured wastewater rate with a rebalanced fixed charge.
Topics covered
- Feedback from Workshop 1 and the community survey
- The cost recovery mismatch in the current rate structure
- Proposed wastewater rate restructuring and stormwater fee framework
- Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) methodology (1 ERU = 2,400 square feet of impervious area)
- Typical bill impact examples across residential and non-residential property types
- Protections, considerations, and next steps
Key findings presented
- Proposed volumetric sewer rate reduction from $25.97 to $18.65 per 1,000 gallons
- Most single-family residential customers see a small decrease ($0 to $25 per month)
- Most non-residential customers see a small increase ($0 to $25 per month), concentrated on properties with large impervious area relative to water use
- Residential revenue share shifts slightly from 34 percent to 37 percent of total utility revenue
Public Workshop 3 — Rate Structure and Fairness
The next workshop will focus on refinement of the ERU methodology, property-type examples, and fairness considerations raised in the public comment period.
Anticipated topics
- Final ERU methodology and tier structure
- Specific property-type impact examples based on community input
- Response to recurring questions and comments received since April
- Introduction of the credit program framework
Public Workshop 4 — Billing and Program Features
The third workshop will cover billing presentation, the credit program details, and a summary of feedback received across the engagement process.
Anticipated topics
- Detailed credit program for residential and non-residential customers
- How stormwater and sewer charges will appear on the utility bill
- Summary of community feedback and themes
- Pre-adoption review and Council process
How to Provide Feedback
Public comment is open throughout the rate study process. All comments are retained as part of the public record.
- Email: ratestudy@NewportRI.gov
- Phone: 401-845-5600 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
- Mail: Newport Department of Utilities, 70 Halsey Street, Newport, RI 02840
- Survey: The community survey link is posted on the Rate Study and Fees page during active survey windows.
Stay Informed
Email: ratestudy@NewportRI.gov
Phone: 401-845-5600 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
Mail: Newport Department of Utilities, 70 Halsey Street, Newport, RI 02840