Steilacoom property owners will pay higher utility fees in 2025 after the Town Council approved a 2 percent increase in the tax on water, sewer, storm, and solid-waste services.

The increase is necessary to provide adequate utility service and for improvements to the systems, according to Mayor Dick Muri, who proposed the higher tax.

On another budget matter, Muri has recommended that the town create a $20 vehicle licensing fee starting in 2026, which he said would generate about $120,000 a year to help maintain Steilacoom’s streets.