DeKalb PWI backs 10% annual water-sewer rate plan; customer protections separated for board action

The DeKalb County Public Works and Infrastructure Committee voted to recommend a 10% annual water and sewer rate increase for 10 years, and advanced a separate, amended consumer-protections resolution for final consideration by the board.

The committee’s discussion, led by Chief Operating Officer Zach Williams and Director Hayes of the Department of Watershed Management, centered on funding a multi-year capital improvement program required to address aging pipes, consent-decree obligations and long-term system reliability. Williams said the administration’s analysis shows a 10-year funding horizon provides steady, predictable capital and attracts contractors for multi-year projects: “The capital improvement plan of 10 years, commensurate with funding of 10 years, will allow us…and will allow the public to understand that this is what we are looking to achieve,” he said.

Committee members raised competing…