Baltimore’s Department of Public Works will hold a series of community meetings to answer questions about the city’s proposed water rate increase.Starting Feb. 1, Baltimore water bills would be 9.66% higher, if the proposed increase is approved. Then, bills would climb 8.4% in Fiscal Year 2026, and by 8.4% again in Fiscal Year 2027, WJZ reported.The increase is due in part to outsourcing jobs to outside contractors, Baltimore Brew reported.DPW Director Khalil Zaied and other representatives from the public works department will be on hand at the community meetings to explain the changes, answer questions, and provide information about assistance programs.“We want to ensure that residents are fully informed and feel supported throughout this process,” Zaied in a statement. “Your input is invaluable as we work to maintain the sustainability of our water, wastewater, and stormwater systems for future generations.”The meetings will be held across various parts of the city, mostly during evening hours, and with a mixture of in-person and virtual options.The details of each meeting are as follows:Date: January 9 (In Person and Virtual) Location: Northwest Police District 5271 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, Md., 21215   Time: 7:00 PM  Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82370023645 Meeting ID: 823 7002 3645 Passcode: 909834   Date: January 11 (Virtual) Location: Northeast Community Organizations  Time: 10:00 AM   Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81916187665Date: January 15  (In Person) Location: War Memorial 101 N Gay St., Baltimore, Md. 21202 Lower Level Time: 6:00 PMDate: January 21 (In Person)  Location: Southeast Anchor Library, 3601 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, Md. 21224 Time: 6:00 PMDate: January 28 (In Person and Virtual) Location: Southwest  424 Font Hill Avenue, Baltimore, Md. 21223  Time: 7:00 PM Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/95231599000 Meeting ID: 952 3159 9000 Passcode: 634451If residents cannot attend one of the in-person meetings, they can share their comments through this online form.