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DeKalb commissioners approve 10% annual water, sewer rate increases for 10 years with new affordability safeguards
Summary
After months of hearings and public input, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted 5–2 to adopt a plan of 10% annual water and sewer rate increases for 10 years to fund system repairs and consent-decree work, while also approving a package of customer protections to reduce harm to low-income and vulnerable residents.
DeKalb County officials on Tuesday adopted a rate plan that raises water and sewer charges by 10% per year for 10 years, 2025–2034, to finance repairs, debt service and capital work across the county’s water and sewer system.
The Board of Commissioners voted 5–2 to approve the “10-by-10” plan after several hours of public comment, committee hearings and a parallel vote earlier in the meeting to add consumer protections and support programs for residents who may struggle with higher bills.
Why it matters: County leaders say the increase will allow DeKalb to catch up on decades of underinvestment, replace aging pipes, fund improvements required under a federal consent decree and expand capacity in underserved areas. Supporters…
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