Newport Utility Changes Coming July 1

The City of Newport is announcing multiple upcoming changes to its utility billing and services. On July 1, water, wastewater, and stormwater rates will each see a 6% increase for residential services and a 10% increase for commercial services. These rate increases were included in the City’s adopted 2025-26 budget to help fund critical infrastructure and capital projects for all three services. These adjustments would raise the combined water, wastewater, and stormwater bill of a residential customer using 4,000 gallons of water from $147.23 to $156.07 per month.

Also included in the adopted budget is the elimination of the City’s utility deposit. Currently, the standard residential deposit begins at $375 to start services, and can increase based on the size of the water line. Eligible customers will receive refunds of their previous deposits. The City of Newport is in the process of creating a refund plan and will notify the community regarding eligibility and refunds when the plan is finalized.

The City is also making a change to its online payment vendor. Starting June 25, online payments will be processed through Xpress Bill Pay, the premier local government and service district payment provider. This switch will provide customers with support services, full bill presentation, auto pay, and many other convenient features. Customers may also now make payments using Discover Card along with Visa and Mastercard. There will be no additional fees to customers for using Xpress Bill Pay. Customers wishing to pay online, including those on auto pay, will need to re-register their accounts at XpressBillPay.com, and create a new account with a username and password.

If preferred, utility customers may still pay their bill in person, at the outdoor payment drop box in front of Newport City Hall, by mail, or by phone at (888) 602-8715 or (541) 574-0611.  

As part of the new online payment system, business license holders will now be able to renew their licenses online for the first time. More information will be provided when business license renewal forms are mailed out after July 1. The City plans to announce further enhancements to its online payment offerings throughout the next year.