Gloucester County board approves immediate water and sewer rate increases after public hearing

The Gloucester County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt an ordinance on March 2025 to raise water and sewer rates, beginning with a 14% increase per tier that staff said would take effect May 1, 2025.

The rate change passed after a public hearing and extended public comment in which staff, consultants and several residents outlined urgent capital and operating shortfalls in the county utility system. “The intent of these rate changes is to address all of the operational costs as well as the capital plan,” Utilities Director (presenter) said, adding that the department projects its reserve will be largely depleted by the end of fiscal 2025.

The vote follows a months-long review by county staff and consultants and public outreach. Miss Maria Callaway (presenting staff) summarized the proposed schedule and the expected monthly impacts: under the proposal, most residential customers would see increases in the single‑digits to mid‑teens dollars per month, and staff presented modeled subsequent increases for four more years (13%, 11%,…