Chesapeake City Council reviews critical updates on water and sewer budget plans

The Chesapeake City Council meeting on May 20, 2025, focused on the critical discussions surrounding the city's water and sewer public utility system budget. The meeting served as a continuation of previous conversations about the infrastructure needs and financial strategies necessary to maintain and improve the city's utility services.

City officials, including Andrew Burnham from Stantec and David Jurgens, the director of public utilities, presented an overview of the current state of the water and sewer systems. They highlighted the importance of addressing aging infrastructure, particularly in light of recent catastrophic failures in other cities, such as Richmond. The council was reminded that Chesapeake's utility system also faces similar risks if not properly maintained and upgraded.

Burnham outlined the financial implications of maintaining the utility system, noting that the city has not kept pace with national trends in water and sewer costs. While Chesapeake's rates have increased modestly, the national average has risen significantly, necessitating a reevaluation of the city's rate structure. The council discussed three potential options for future rate increases, ranging from maintaining the current 2.9% increase to implementing a higher 4.9% increase starting in 2026. These adjustments are crucial for funding identified critical infrastructure needs, which could total up to $73.5 million.

Jurgens emphasized the urgency of addressing these needs, citing examples of aging facilities and the risks they pose to service reliability. He presented photographs of deteriorating equipment and infrastructure, underscoring the potential for severe service disruptions if upgrades are not made. The council was informed that the proposed rate increases would have a minimal impact on residents' monthly bills, estimated at around $3 for the most comprehensive funding option.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions and the scheduling of future meetings to refine the proposed budget and rate adjustments. The council aims to ensure that the utility system remains operational and capable of meeting the community's needs while balancing the financial burden on residents.