Carlisle staff proposes 11% hike in water rates to fund main replacements, tank project and PFAS work
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Summary
Staff proposed an 11% increase to water rates to fund East High Street and York Road main replacements, a Ridge Street tank replacement, transmission main work and PFAS pilot/design; the council authorized advertisement of the water-rate ordinance for public review.
Borough staff told council on Nov. 17 that the water fund needs additional revenue to support a slate of capital projects and presented a proposed 11% rate increase tied primarily to infrastructure work.
Finance Director Jason Cohen and the water resources team said the water fund is budgeted at about $13.1 million for 2026 and that staff project a 2025 deficit tied to capital spending. "We are proposing a rate increase for water services, an 11% increase, which would impact a single user by about $7 per quarter and the average family of 4 by about $26 per quarter," Jason said during the presentation.
Planned projects and allocations: staff asked council to include the following in capital planning and advertising materials: - East High Street and York Road water-main replacement: $2,000,000 allocated; design complete and permitting underway with the goal of bidding in early 2026 and completing work before PennDOT resurfacing. - Ridge Street tank replacement: $3,500,000 allocated for 2026 with additional fabrication/construction costs expected in 2027 and continuing design/permitting work. - Transmission main replacement: allocation of $850,000 to replace large-diameter and service mains between the treatment plant and finished-water reservoirs. - PFAS work: pilot testing completed recently; staff allocated $250,000 in 2026 for preliminary design and permitting for a final treatment option, with major construction anticipated after 2026.
Staff framed the rate recommendation as driven by the need to fund these capital projects while attempting to preserve council fund-balance targets. The council authorized staff to draft and advertise a water-rate ordinance setting $7.54 per 100 cubic feet to take effect for consumption billed after May 1, 2026. Final adoption will follow required public notice and the scheduled hearings.
Quote: "For starters, our water system rehabilitation project ... we've allocated $2,000,000" (water resources presenter).