Alexandria, LA (8/12/2025) – At the July 29, 2025 city briefing, Mayor Jacques Roy made it clear that Alexandria residents can expect two major financial proposals in the coming months:
- Utility rate increases for water, gas, and electric services
- The return of the capital tax renewal that voters rejected roughly a year and a half ago
Roy connected both to the city’s ability to maintain infrastructure and avoid a downgrade in its bond rating, which he warned could raise borrowing costs for future projects.
Utility Rate Increases
Roy said Alexandria’s utility systems are “capital and rate restricted,” meaning current rates do not generate enough revenue for operations, future capital replacements, and emergency reserves.
The City Council sets utility rates, not the mayor. Roy stated, “The mayor doesn’t charge anything. Folks at home, the mayor follows an ordinance that the rate maker sets. The rate maker is the City of Alexandria, City Council, not the mayor.” However, in the same briefing he laid out specific examples, comparisons, and funding gaps that point directly toward raising rates, signaling that he will recommend increases while framing the decision as solely the council’s responsibility. This also sets the stage for him to blame the council if rates remain unchanged and infrastructure problems persist.
Rates must fund operations, infrastructure upgrades, and a contingency reserve. Using gas as an example, he said Alexandria’s current rates would produce roughly $3 million in revenue even if the gas were free, compared to $10–13 million under a nearby provider’s rates. For water, he rejected the idea that it should be cheap because it is abundant, citing the cost of treatment, delivery, and safety testing. He tied the city’s brown water problems directly to the lack of capital funding and low rates.
When referencing residents who want both low rates and clean water, Roy said bluntly, “That’s not going to work.”
Public Context – Frustration Has Been Building
For nearly two years, Alexandria residents have voiced repeated concerns about utility bills that often exceed rent or mortgage payments, sudden cutoffs sometimes over amounts under $1, inconsistent meter readings, unexplained “fuel cost” charges, and the lack of customer service or assistance.
UrbanCast comment threads have documented hundreds of personal accounts. Fixed-income seniors describe being forced to choose between paying utilities or buying food. Working families have reported bills of $800–$1,600 even after making large recent payments. Residents say they have experienced disconnections without notice, leaving households including children and medically vulnerable people without power. Many believe the city is overestimating usage and charging back restoration costs from past aid programs.
These concerns are not new. They were expressed in 2023, 2024, and continue today. Many residents say they have lost faith in city leadership’s willingness to address the problem. Against this backdrop, the mayor used sarcasm when addressing residents’ calls to “operate within your means.” He also said that expecting low rates and clean water “isn’t going to work.” To residents already struggling, his comments come across as dismissive.
Capital Tax Renewal
After addressing utilities, Roy turned to the capital tax renewal, describing it as “critical” and warning of “catastrophic” consequences if it fails again. He said the measure is a continuation of the current funding structure, not a new tax, and directly tied its passage to the city’s bond rating.
When discussing public opposition to tax increases, Roy recalled that several citizens told him, “We don’t need any taxes. You just need to operate within your means.” His response: “That was a good one.”
What was not presented included how much revenue the renewal generates annually, a breakdown of how current capital funds are spent, and any alternative funding strategies.
Role of the C.U.R.E. Commission
Roy stated, “…we have that data, and it will be presented at CURE — all of it by not us, but others.” This indicates the C.U.R.E. Commission will present findings on infrastructure needs and costs. By having an external body deliver the information, the administration and council can frame tax and rate increases as independent, expert-backed recommendations rather than political decisions.
Bottom Line
The July 29 briefing signaled a coordinated push to raise utility rates, revive the capital tax renewal, and use the C.U.R.E. Commission for supporting data. No alternative funding or cost-saving measures were offered. For residents already frustrated with high utility bills, the combination of planned increases and a dismissive tone may fuel demands for transparency and accountability.
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