DeKalb County officials continue to debate water and sewer rate hike
Tap water flows from a faucet. Photo: Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa (Photo by Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/picture alliance via Getty Images)
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - The DeKalb County Public Works and Infrastructure Committee will reconvene today at 3 p.m. for a special meeting to continue discussions on a proposed water and sewer rate increase, according to Decaturish.
What we know:
After several proposals, the current plan on the table suggests a 10% annual rate increase over the next 10 years. For a resident currently paying $70 per month, the hike would raise their bill to $76 this year, $84 in 2026, and more than $112 by 2029.
A vote on the proposed rate increase is expected on Feb. 25.
County commissioners have been debating water and sewer rate hikes for several months, previously considering different options, including:
- A 6% annual increase over three years
- An 8% annual increase over 10 years (proposed by the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee)
- A 7% annual increase at one point
In addition to the rate hike, the commission is also considering a resolution to protect senior citizens, disabled individuals, and low-income residents from the financial burden of the increase. One commissioner has also proposed the creation of an Office of Customer Advocacy to assist affected residents.