Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Orange County moves preliminary water and wastewater rates to public hearing amid rising costs
Summary
After a detailed presentation on rising capital and operating costs, commissioners unanimously approved preliminary water and wastewater rate schedules to be finalized at a Jan. 27 public hearing; staff said average residential bills would rise modestly while the plan avoids larger debt borrowing.
Orange County commissioners on Dec. 2 advanced preliminary water and wastewater rate schedules to a public hearing on Jan. 27, 2026, after staff described sharp post‑pandemic increases in construction and operating costs that threaten utility finances.
Glenn Kramer, manager of the county’s utilities fiscal administrative support division, said the county’s 2022 five‑year rate plan no longer covers current expenses because key inputs — electricity, maintenance, chemicals and biosolids disposal — have risen significantly. Kramer said construction costs for pipe and pump stations have increased dramatically: “Back in 2020, we built the Hamlin Water Reclamation Facility 5 MGD for $111,000,000; the next 5 MGD is estimated at $184,000,000,” he said, illustrating rising…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
