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Chesapeake council approves multi‑year utility rate increases after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing with residents who said the proposal lacked notice and transparency, Chesapeake City Council approved an ordinance to increase utility rates over multiple years by an 8‑1 vote. City staff said the raises will fund replacing aging water and sewer infrastructure and will be reviewed annually.
The Chesapeake City Council on July 14 approved an ordinance amending Chapter 78 of the Chesapeake City Code to raise utility rates over multiple years, adopting the measure by an 8‑1 vote after a public hearing where several residents objected to the timing and notice of the increase.
City officials said the increase is intended to fund replacement of aging water and sewer infrastructure. City Manager Geiss and Public Utilities Director David Jurgens told council the utility operates as an enterprise fund, paid by ratepayers rather than the general fund, and that the increases provide revenue stability needed to plan and borrow for large projects.
Residents who spoke during the public hearing urged the council to delay or explain the proposal more fully. “This is not the time to be raising rates,” said Vic Nichols, representing SELF, saying the rise had been “snuck in.” Dr. George Reid of New Chesapeake Men for Progress said residents felt “ambushed” and faulted the city for what he…
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