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Salisbury council approves 6% water and sewer rate increase, effective Oct. 1, 2025
Summary
On June 9 the Salisbury City Council passed Ordinance 2936, raising water and sewer rates by 6% for bills dated Oct. 1, 2025 and thereafter. Council members said the increase is intended to cover rising treatment and capital costs; several speakers urged administration to publish educational materials explaining the increase.
The Salisbury City Council approved Ordinance 2936 on June 9, 2025, to increase municipal water and sewer rates by 6 percent, with the change to become effective for all bills dated Oct. 1, 2025 and thereafter unless revised by future council action.
Council members and staff discussed PFAS-related treatment costs, capital projects and planned system upgrades as drivers of rate adjustments. During public comment, multiple residents and council members urged the administration to publish explanatory materials to help residents understand the need for the increase and the specific projects and costs it will cover.
Why it matters: The rate increase will affect household utility bills citywide beginning in the October billing cycle; council members cited the need to fund multi-million-dollar filtration and treatment work and infrastructure upgrades to meet regulatory requirements.
Key points from the meeting - Ordinance 2936 was presented on second reading with no changes since first reading; the ordinance text sets the effective date as bills dated Oct. 1, 2025 and thereafter. - Council discussion referenced water plant expenses including PFAS treatment and infrastructure expansion as drivers of rising costs. A council member who has tracked the issue told colleagues they had performed a "forensic analysis" of prior rate increases and urged clear public outreach. - Several council members and speakers asked that administration release educational materials explaining the technical and capital reasons for the rate change.
Vote and outcome The council took a voice vote on Ordinance 2936 on second reading. The chair called for ayes, heard no opposition and recorded the ordinance as approved.
Next steps Administration indicated it will prepare educational material for the public explaining the PFAS compliance costs, expansion of filtration systems, and the capital needs that informed the rate decision. Council members asked that information be shared ahead of the effective date so residents can plan for the change.
Ending: Ordinance 2936 was approved on second reading and will take effect for bills dated Oct. 1, 2025, subject to future council action.
