Hoschton staff proposes 8.6% utility rate increase and new meter repair fees

City staff presented a package of utility recommendations to the Hoschton City Council, including a proposed across‑the‑board 8.6% increase in water and sewer user rates for 2026 and a separate proposed meter repair fee schedule.

Staff said the rate increase is a recommendation from the city engineer and based on an internal audit intended to help cover repairs, maintenance and multiple capital improvement projects. When asked by a councilmember whether the 8.6% increase would make up three years of cost increases — noting that water delivery costs had risen by about 13% — staff responded that the internal audit indicates the proposed increase should be adequate.

Separately, staff introduced a proposed meter‑repair fee to be charged only when a resident tampers with or damages a meter. Staff explained the current replacement charge in the packet is listed as $175 but said that amount does not cover the city’s cost or labor. Staff listed proposed charges in the packet as: replacement charge proposed at $500; backflow replacement $60; meter box lid $35; and damaged meter box $50. Staff emphasized the fee is intended to cover cost, not to generate revenue.

No formal vote on the rate or fee resolutions appears in the transcript; packet references and a future vote were noted. The council may consider these resolutions at a scheduled vote next Thursday, according to staff.