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James City Service Authority outlines FY27 budget, proposes rate changes and infrastructure investments
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Summary
JCSA presented a FY27 budget of roughly $29.4 million, tied to a new five-year strategic plan; projects include a Kings Point water-main replacement ($7.5M), camera-van replacement, AMI metering and proposed modest rate increases that would raise an average single-family monthly bill by about $4.56 for FY27.
The James City Service Authority presented its FY27 proposed budget and long-range initiatives during a joint segment of the Board of Supervisors meeting.
JCSA staff explained the FY27 proposed budget is approximately $29.4 million, split between a water fund and a sewer fund. The budget, which is the first year of a two-year spending plan, aligns with a recently adopted five-year strategic plan. Major capital priorities include the Kings Point project, which will replace roughly 20,000 feet of aging 1960s water main at an estimated cost of $7.5 million, a study to locate a new elevated storage tank, and replacement of a near‑end‑of‑life camera inspection van (budgeted at about $500,000).
Staff also described system investments and conservation programs including a smart irrigation controller rebate and a "Time Your Tap" irrigation initiative to reduce nonessential irrigation demand. The authority plans continued contributions to a rate stabilization reserve and noted its workforce includes 107 full-time employees and one part-time employee.
On rates, the presenter outlined proposed changes to fixed and volumetric charges. For example, the fixed monthly charge for a 5/8-inch meter is proposed to rise from $9.02 to $10.52 for FY27; a representative volumetric charge for the first tier (0–4,000 gallons) would increase from $4.45 to $4.72 per 1,000 gallons. JCSA staff said that for an average single-family household (defined as 5,000 gallons per month) the combined impact would be approximately $4.56 more per month in FY27.
The JCSA opened and closed a public hearing on the budget with no public speakers and did not take final action on the budget at the session. The JCSA board did approve consent calendar items, including a contract award of $125,603 to Smith and Lovelace Inc. for a lift-station pump/motor package and the adoption of minutes, by roll-call vote.
The JCSA also brought forward a separate resolution to abandon an easement between two properties (112 and 132 The Colony) to remediate grinder-pump issues, which the JCSA board approved after staff said they had worked extensively with the owner of 112 The Colony and attempted certified-mail contact with the owner of 132 The Colony.
