Council committee reviews Charlotte Water, stormwater budgets; MWSBE pilot to return to council

The Budget, Governance and Intergovernmental Relations Committee received presentations on Charlotte Water and the stormwater program’s proposed budgets and operations priorities for the coming fiscal year, staff reported.

City staff said the typical homeowner would see a rate increase of about $5.60 per month to support capital investments and compliance work, including PFAS-related monitoring and upgrades. "We are looking at about $5 and some cents per month," a committee member summarized. Staff told council the utility has invested more in capital and proactive asset management to reduce the backlog that emerged in earlier years.

The committee also reviewed a draft pilot plan intended to increase participation of minority-, women- and small-business enterprises (MWSBE) in capital projects. The draft would streamline procurement, expand outreach and provide targeted support to increase the percentage of prime contracts awarded to MWSBE firms. The committee approved the draft earlier in the day and staff will present the plan for full council action on April 7.

Separately, members discussed the nonprofit arm of Charlotte Water, created during the pandemic to bolster fundraising for customers in need. Committee members said the nonprofit helps low-income customers with water-bill assistance and cited it as a useful complement to utility operations.

Staff said two presentation decks are available for deeper review; committee members requested the materials and pledged to follow up with finance and procurement staff ahead of the April council agenda item.