Board authorizes advertisement of June 2 public hearing on proposed 13% water and sewer rate increase

Gloucester County staff asked the Board of Supervisors to authorize a public hearing on proposed utility rate increases tied to the county’s FY2026 capital plan.

Deputy County Administrator Maria Callaway, filling in for the utilities director, presented five‑year rate projections and said that for fiscal 2027 staff is proposing up to a 13% increase per tier for water and for water+sewer customers. She said the proposal would raise monthly bills by approximately $3 to about $17 depending on usage, noting that a majority of customers use 5,000 gallons or less. Callaway also presented two scenarios for application and development fees (13% and 25%), noting those fees are designated for development expenses and would not be available for operations.

Supervisors asked staff to advertise "up to 13%" so the board could adopt a lower figure at the hearing if desired but not a higher one. One supervisor emphasized preference for capping application and development fee increases at 13% as well. The board voted to advertise a public hearing—including a 13% per‑tier increase and a 13% increase in application and development fees—with the hearing date set for June 2 and proposed effective date of July 1 if adopted after the hearing.

A public commenter earlier in the meeting urged the board to find and repair leaks and provide a detailed plan showing where capital funds were spent before raising rates; staff said the proposed increases are tied to the capital plan and invited public comment at the advertised hearing.