Salisbury officials seek new wastewater staff, vehicles and a 6% rate increase to cover PFAS, chemicals and maintenance costs

Salisbury water officials told the City Council during a budget presentation that the water and sewer enterprise fund will request funding for two new wastewater positions, several vehicle replacements and added operating money to cover rising chemical and maintenance costs and prepare for forthcoming PFAS requirements.

The request matters because city staff said some funding currently relied on — about $400,000 a year from a state B and R grant — may shrink, and state and federal changes on PFAS monitoring and treatment could require substantial future investment. Council members were told the budget package as presented assumes a 6% water‑sewer rate increase to support the plan.

Corey Cameron, director of Water Works, presented the wastewater side of the budget. He said the department expects chemical costs to rise and is planning a roughly $200,000 increase in chemicals and about a $200,000 increase in repairs and maintenance to cover aging equipment. "We're pretty dependent on our B and R grant now," Cameron said, adding the plant has received about $400,000 in recent years and staff cannot assume that level will continue.

Cameron told the council the department is asking to add two…