Sussex County Council approves water and sewer rate increases during public hearings

In a meeting marked by significant discussions, the Sussex County Council convened on June 17, 2025, to address key issues impacting local residents. The session began with a reminder that county offices would be closed on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth, a day honoring the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

As the meeting progressed, the council shifted its focus to public hearings, starting with the assessment rules for sewer and water districts. Gina Jennings presented the assessment roles, which detail the county's records for equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) and billable front footage for each district. These records are available for public inspection and can be appealed through the board of assessment review. Despite the opportunity for public comment, no residents chose to speak on this matter, leading to the council's swift decision to adopt the assessment rules for the upcoming fiscal year.

The next public hearing addressed proposed increases in water and sewer rates, a necessary adjustment to ensure the sustainability of these essential services. Jennings outlined the changes, noting that the water rate would rise by $33 annually to $450 per EDU, while the sewer rate would increase by $12 to $3.52 per EDU. Some districts would see rate decreases due to the addition of new customers or the payoff of existing debt. Again, the public remained silent, and the council moved forward to approve the ordinance establishing these new rates.

The final topic of discussion was a proposed ordinance to increase sheriff fees, which have not been adjusted in 15 years. Jennings emphasized that the sheriff supports these increases, highlighting the need for updated fees to reflect current operational costs.

As the meeting concluded, the council's decisions underscored a commitment to maintaining essential services while also recognizing the need for adjustments in response to changing circumstances. The implications of these discussions will resonate throughout Sussex County, affecting both the financial landscape and the quality of services available to residents.