County Board Proposes New System Development Fees for Water and Sewer Services

The Johnston County Board of Commissioners meeting on July 21, 2025, spotlighted significant changes to system development fees for water and sewer services, reflecting updated state regulations and the county's evolving infrastructure needs.

During the session, officials discussed a new calculation method for sewer system development fees, which now factors in a reduced rate of 75 gallons per day per bedroom, down from the previous 80 gallons. This adjustment is expected to lower the estimated residential service fee from $4,750 to a proposed $6,000 for the upcoming fiscal year, with a long-term goal of reaching a maximum of $8,980. The new fee structure aims to align with the county's capital improvement plans and the anticipated growth in service demand.

Commissioners emphasized the importance of these fees in maintaining the financial health of the county's water and sewer systems, which operate as enterprise funds. These funds must generate sufficient revenue to cover operational costs and debt service, ensuring sustainable service delivery to residents and businesses alike.

In addition to residential rates, the meeting also addressed bulk capacity fees for larger customers, which will be assessed based on hydraulic zones. Proposed rates for bulk water customers range from $19.24 to $21.72 per gallon, depending on their location within the county's hydraulic zones. This change aims to better reflect the varying costs associated with supplying water across different areas.

The board plans to revisit these proposals in August, allowing for public feedback and further adjustments before finalizing the rates. The anticipated implementation dates for the new fees are set for October 1 for system development fees and November 1 for bulk capacity fees, providing stakeholders with a 90-day notice period to prepare for the changes.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the county's proactive approach to managing its water and sewer infrastructure, ensuring that it meets current and future demands while remaining compliant with state regulations.