Nelson County board agrees to advertise multiyear Piney River water and sewer rate increases, targets Jan. 1, 2026 start

Nelson County supervisors on Aug. 12 agreed in principle to advertise a multiyear schedule of rate increases for the Piney River water and sewer system and to consider equalizing connection fees with the county Service Authority. The Board directed staff to prepare a public-hearing resolution for rates advertised over four years and to target Jan. 1, 2026 as the first effective date.

County Administrator Candice W. McGarry presented three six-year scenarios for adjusting Piney River rates to move toward parity with Service Authority rates. The options varied in timing and escalation; Option 3 — the Board's preferred choice — phases smaller increases in the first three years and larger increases later to reach the Service Authority target.

Finance Director Grace E. Mawyer provided a preliminary per-customer monthly cost illustration and noted the analysis excluded longer-term capital repair costs. Supervisor J. David Parr said Option 3 “began slowly in the initial years and then gradually increased over the next few years, giving residents enough time to prepare.” Chair Ernie Q. Reed said a linear approach could also be considered but deferred to colleagues.

Board members discussed grinder-pump education, yard hydrant and other fees that differ currently from Service Authority schedules, and the Service Authority’s stated reluctance to take on systems operating at a deficit. Dr. Jessica L. Ligon and others said aligning fees would build public confidence and make the Service Authority transition easier.

Staff will prepare an ordinance and a public-hearing notice for the Board’s September meeting; the Board asked staff to present a four-year advertised schedule with an initial Jan. 1, 2026 effective date and to include connection-fee parity for consideration. No final rate vote was taken on Aug. 12; the Board gave direction to proceed to public notice and hearing.