Prince George's County Council endorses WSSC budget recommendations while criticizing proposed rate hike

Prince George's County Council voted 7-1 on May 6, 2025, to send a letter to the Montgomery County Council expressing the county's positions on the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) FY2026 operating and capital budgets while objecting to the size of a proposed rate increase.

The council's administrative officer, Mr. Battle, summarized the county's recommended positions to Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart. The letter recommends concurrence with WSSC's proposed 9.5% revenue enhancement (combined volumetric water and sewer rates and fixed fees), supports WSSC's proposed water production level of 162,000,000 gallons per day in FY2026, and approves an operating budget of $1,100,000,000 (an increase of $101,600,000 or 10% over FY2025). The letter also supports the WSSC proposal to increase the system development charge by 2.5% and to approve the WSSC FY2026–2031 capital improvements program, including $358,700,000 in CIP projects and $356,800,000 in information-only projects.

Councilmembers debated the motion before the roll call. Councilmember Fisher said she supported acting in concert with Montgomery County and voiced frustration at the process: "I agree with Chair Burrows... I personally am committed to making sure that we meet more early and often with our colleagues, in Montgomery County because I just think this is unconscionable... So at this time, I vote aye, but it is unacceptable." Vice Chair Olliella also criticized the proposed increase and described the effect on residents with large bills, saying customers were receiving "bills that are $5,000, $10,000" and that the council's earlier position of 8–8.5% was more reasonable.

Councilmembers moved and seconded the motion to adopt the letter; the motion passed 7–1. The council recorded that, under state law, Prince George's County and Montgomery County must align their positions; if they do not, the WSSC's proposed rate increase would prevail. Several councilmembers said they would pursue more coordination with Montgomery County officials going forward.

Actions recorded during the session include the formal motion to adopt the correspondence and the roll-call vote. The council did not change or adopt WSSC budget figures itself; rather, it transmitted its position to Montgomery County as part of the interjurisdictional review process.

The council recessed after completing the day's business and moved on to a Committee of the Whole session.