County board adopts 5% water rate increase after public hearing

The County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 12 held a public hearing and approved a 5% increase in rates for the county public water system under Resolution 2025-33.

Board members said the increase is intended to cover continuing water system projects and rising costs. “This is a 5% increase in the proposed rates,” a county official said during the hearing. County Attorney Farley told the board that outside counsel advising the county in the MASCAR litigation recommended the rate change to allow the county to receive settlement proceeds.

The increase was introduced at a public hearing opened by the board to allow comment on a proposed rate change “in accordance with code of January '19,” the board said. Board discussion referenced continuing capital projects tied to the water system, including work linked to the Berry Mill project. No member disputed that the change would raise rates countywide; board leaders emphasized the board was balancing project needs and customer impacts.

After discussion, a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-33 was moved and seconded; the board conducted a roll-call vote and approved the resolution. The board did not provide a detailed vote tally in the public record during the meeting.

The board indicated the revenue from the rate increase would be used for ongoing water projects and to satisfy conditions associated with legal and settlement matters. The county attorney’s office and county staff will carry out the ordinance update and notify affected customers per statutory requirements.