Harford County Council debates water and sewer rate adjustments for financial sustainability

Harford County is set to implement a new five-year water and sewer rate plan, with an average increase of 4.2% per year starting this July. This decision comes as part of a comprehensive study conducted by Arcadis, a consulting firm specializing in utility financial issues, aimed at ensuring the long-term financial health of the county's water and sewer systems.

Robert Ryall, vice president of Arcadis, presented the findings to the Harford County Council, emphasizing the need for the proposed rates to meet both operational and capital needs. The last rate adjustment occurred in July 2024, and the new rates will be effective through February 2030. Ryall noted that the county's water and sewer system had previously faced significant financial challenges, leading to substantial rate increases in 2016 and 2017. Since then, the county has successfully stabilized its utility finances.

The proposed rates will affect a typical residential customer, who uses about 12,000 gallons of water per quarter, resulting in an increase of approximately $10.23 per quarter starting in July. By the end of the five-year period, the quarterly bill is expected to rise by about $11.73. Ryall highlighted that the average monthly cost for water and sewer service would remain competitive compared to other providers in the region.

Council members expressed concerns about the impact of these increases on residents, particularly those on fixed incomes. Some suggested delaying the rate hike to alleviate financial pressure on constituents already facing rising costs in other areas, such as property taxes and utility bills. However, officials stressed the importance of maintaining financial stability for the water and sewer systems to avoid larger, more drastic increases in the future.

The council is expected to deliberate further on the proposed rates, weighing the need for financial sustainability against the potential burden on residents. The outcome of this discussion will shape the future of water and sewer services in Harford County.