Nelson County pauses vote after residents urge rework of Piney River water-rate plan

The Nelson County Board of Supervisors on an evening session paused action on an ordinance that would raise Piney River water and sewer rates after dozens of residents urged the board to reconsider the size and pace of the increases.

Candy McGarry, county utilities staff, opened the public hearing and described proposed ordinance O-2025-09, an amendment to Nelson County Code Chapter 12 (Utilities), Article 3 (Water and Wastewater), Division 10. McGarry said the increases would begin Jan. 1, 2026, with additional annual adjustments on July 1 through 2028, and that letters had been mailed to 207 Piney River customers as required by the board’s resolution R-2025-68. She said the county has not adjusted these rates since 2013 and that rising maintenance and capital costs have required supplemental funding from the general fund.

Residents who spoke at the hearing described the increases as unaffordable for people on fixed or low incomes. “I’m single, one income, taking care of one person,” Stephanie Evans said. “I can’t keep up with a 25% increase for January, and then another jump in July.” Sean Pannell, a…