The Murfreesboro Water Resources Board has approved significant revisions to water tap, meter, and sewer clean-out fees during their recent meeting on July 22, 2025. This decision comes in response to rising material costs, which have not been adjusted since 2021. The proposed changes include an increase in the installation cost for a 1-inch water stub from $675 to reflect current expenses, while the cost for a meter installation has risen by $400 to $940.
The adjustments aim to ensure that the city does not subsidize these services, as the fees now reflect actual material and labor costs, including a 29% overhead. The board emphasized the importance of aligning these fees with those of neighboring utilities, noting that the new pricing is competitive with the Consolidated Utility District.
In addition to the fee revisions, the board discussed the upcoming TDOT North Thompson Lane widening project, which will require substantial water and sewer relocations. The estimated cost for these relocations is over $12 million, with the city required to deposit funds upfront with TDOT. This project is expected to take longer than the projected two years due to the complexity of utility relocations and coordination with multiple contractors.
The board's decisions are crucial for maintaining the integrity of Murfreesboro's water infrastructure and ensuring that costs are fairly allocated to developers and builders. As the city prepares for these changes, residents can expect improved management of water resources and infrastructure development in the coming years.