DeKalb commissioners unanimously ratify delay of water, sewer rate increase to Aug. 15

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a substitute resolution on Aug. 5 to delay implementation of a previously approved 10% water and sewer rate increase, moving the effective date from July 1 to Aug. 15.

Mr. Williams of the county administration explained the action during a special called meeting. The administration said the delay was necessary to onboard the Urban League as the contracted vendor to run the county’s water rate assistance program and to staff a customer-advocate function. County staff told commissioners they needed the additional time for the vendor to hire staff and prepare outreach materials.

The substitute item (listed in the docket as agenda item 10-1098 in the meeting transcript) updates the implementation schedule while preserving the remainder of the approved rate plan, including subsequent annual adjustments that begin on Jan. 1 in later years of the program.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions during the special call; one commissioner confirmed that the January 1 schedule for subsequent increases remains unchanged. After brief discussion, a motion to approve the substitute item carried unanimously. The transcript records the board voting in favor by voice/hand without individual vote breakdowns recorded in the public record.

No changes to the overall rate plan were adopted other than the implementation date; county staff said they will continue to move forward with onboarding the Urban League and related outreach required before the Aug. 15 implementation date.