Ocean Pines adjusts water and sewer rates amid budget changes

The Worcester County government held a budget workshop on April 1, 2025, focusing on financial adjustments and operational changes for the Ocean Pines service area. The meeting addressed various aspects of the budget, including revenue sources, expenses, and rate adjustments for water and sewer services.

The workshop began with a review of capital equipment costs, noting a decrease of $19,396 related to intergovernmental loan repayments. The discussion then shifted to the Ocean Pines service area, where significant changes to water and sewer rates were proposed. The water rate for domestic users will increase to $4 per Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU), while the sewer rate will rise to $27 per EDU. Additionally, an accessibility charge of $2 per EDU will be implemented for properties not yet connected to the system.

The meeting highlighted a restructuring of the commercial rate system, moving from a tiered structure to a flat rate of $244 per EDU, with usage fees set at $5 per thousand gallons for the first 18,000 gallons and $15 for any usage beyond that threshold. The domestic sewer flat rate will increase from $186.75 to $251.

On the expense side, the budget reflected a $39,705 increase in administrative expenses, primarily due to historical spending patterns. Notable increases included $30,856 for the roads management system and $393,190 for capital equipment, which includes allocations for a new vacuum truck. The budget also accounted for a $40,000 increase in lab testing costs due to new regulatory requirements for PFAS monitoring.

The Ocean Pines wastewater treatment plant will see a $110,000 increase in chemical costs, reflecting historical spending trends. Additionally, the budget includes a $50,000 increase for electricity and a $180,359 increase for tipping fees, which were adjusted to align with other service areas.

The workshop concluded with a summary of the Riddle Farm service area, where rates will also see adjustments. The domestic water and sewer base fee will rise from $288 to $320, with similar tiered usage rates applied as in Ocean Pines.

Overall, the budget workshop underscored the county's efforts to address rising operational costs while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The proposed rate increases and adjustments aim to maintain service quality and infrastructure integrity in the face of growing demand and aging systems. Further discussions and approvals are expected in upcoming meetings as the county finalizes its budget for the fiscal year.