Water bills soar as St. Mary's County proposes new sewer cap and irrigation meter changes

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The St. Mary's County Commissioners meeting held on April 19, 2016, addressed several pressing issues regarding water and sewer billing, customer concerns, and the financial implications of current rate structures. The meeting began with discussions on the significant increases in water bills that many residents have experienced, which have led to what some described as "sticker shock." The commissioners noted that these bills often exceed those for electricity and cable services, prompting concerns about water usage, particularly for irrigation.

A key proposal discussed was the introduction of a cap on sewer usage charges during the summer months. The proposed cap would limit charges for customers using over 54,000 gallons to a maximum of 10,000 gallons, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on those with high irrigation needs. Additionally, the commissioners proposed eliminating the monthly service charge for a second irrigation meter, which would allow homeowners to pay only for the water they use for irrigation, further reducing costs.

The meeting also highlighted issues related to meter sizes and billing discrepancies. It was noted that many residential customers have standard 5/8-inch meters, and there is an ongoing effort to ensure that commercial customers are using appropriately sized meters to avoid overcharging. The commissioners acknowledged that some customers had expressed dissatisfaction with the accuracy of their meters, leading to additional charges for testing.

Financial discussions revealed that while approximately 60% of customers have seen a decrease in their bills, about 40% have experienced increases. This shift in billing has raised questions about overall revenue, with officials indicating that revenues are currently on target but slightly lower than expected. The commissioners emphasized that the new rate structure aims to balance costs more equitably among users.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on hookup fees, which have seen significant increases over the years. The commissioners acknowledged that these fees can be a barrier for new construction and development, as they have risen dramatically from around $2,000 in 2008 to projected fees of $38,000 for residential connections by 2020. The rationale behind these fees was explained as a means for new customers to contribute to the existing infrastructure that supports their connections.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by St. Mary's County in managing water and sewer services, balancing customer needs with financial sustainability, and addressing the complexities of billing structures. The proposed changes aim to provide relief to residents while ensuring the long-term viability of the county's water and sewer systems.

Converted from 4/19/2016 Commissioners of St. Mary's County meeting on January 20, 2025
Link to Full Meeting