County raises water and sewer connection fees amid public protests

Washington County commissioners approved proposed FY2027 increases to water and sewer connection fees after a public hearing in which multiple residents criticized the board for a lack of transparency and for shifting costs to working‑class residents.

Kelsey Mace, the county’s chief financial officer, and Dave Mason, interim director of Environmental Management, presented the recommended fee increases: a $600 rise in the water connection fee (from $3,200 to $3,800) and a $1,700 rise in the sewer connection fee (from $8,600 to $10,300). “We are requesting a $600 increase in the water connection fee from $3,200 to $3,800 and a $1,700 increase to the sewer connection fee from $8,600 to $10,300,” Mace told the board.

Public commenters included Sean Porter, who said paying residents should not shoulder fee increases while the county reports a surplus and some employees received raises; Justin Holder pressed the board on historical planning and alleged misrepresentations tied to other county projects. Several speakers tied the fee discussion to broader controversies about county handling of federal projects and water/sewer planning.

After deliberation, the board approved the fee increases; the meeting record shows a roll‑call voice vote with four members voting in favor and one abstention. Staff said the increases will help address infrastructure costs the county expects to face as it updates water and wastewater capacity planning and complies with state administrative orders.

The board did not adopt additional policy direction at the meeting beyond approval of the revised fee schedule; staff will return with implementation details and will monitor how the increases affect permit activity and development.