Nelson County adopts ordinance raising Piney River water and sewer fees, effective July 1, 2026

The Nelson County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Dec. 16 to adopt Ordinance O2025‑09, amending the county code for Piney River water and wastewater service and establishing phased fee increases beginning July 1, 2026.

County Administrator Candice W. McGarry told the board the ordinance package revises connection fees and base service fees, updates grinder‑pump charges and other customer fees, and moves the ordinance effective date from Jan. 1, 2026 to July 1, 2026. "The ordinance in its entirety would become effective July 1, 2026," McGarry said.

Key elements in the adopted ordinance include new connection fee tables that increase required meter sizing fees (for example, a 5/8"×3/4" meter connection fee is shown at $4,000 in the revised schedule) and phased base service fee increases for both water and sewer. The ordinance sets a 4,000‑gallon monthly minimum and specifies per‑1,000‑gallon overage charges; grinder pump fees and other administrative fees (inspection, returned check, misuse/damage) were also adjusted.

Supervisors J. David Parr and Jesse N. Rutherford moved and seconded adoption; the motion passed by roll call vote 3–0 (Ernie Q. Reed, J. David Parr, Jesse N. Rutherford voting yes). The ordinance states that most of the fee increases take effect on July 1, 2026 and will be followed by additional increases on July 1, 2027 and July 1, 2028.

The ordinance directs county staff to implement new billing and fee procedures; no additional appropriation was recorded at the meeting for immediate FY26 expenditures.