Mount Airy council postpones vote on proposed water, sewer rate increases after public criticism

Mount Airy — The Town Council postponed action on Ordinance 2025-519, a proposed three‑year schedule of water and sewer rate increases, following more than an hour of public comment and council debate about affordability, transparency and the town’s long‑term capital and operating plans.

The ordinance would have raised consumption rates by 8% annually in 2026, 2027 and 2028; opponents and several council members said they need a clearer long‑range capital and operating plan before approving the increases. The council voted to postpone consideration to a future meeting to allow staff and commissioners to provide additional documentation.

Council members and residents framed the issue as both fiscal triage and a question of public accountability. During public comment, resident Kiara Kovalyova said the increases “place Mount Airy residents on a rate escalator with no written review requirement or…