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County staff say potential refunds tied to FY26 water usage fees could total about $462,000
Summary
County staff presented an initial estimate that refunds or credits resulting from the FY26 usage-fee structure for customers with multiple equivalent dwelling units could total approximately $462,000 and would reduce available service-area fund balances.
County staff on May 19 told Worcester County Commissioners that a preliminary estimate shows potential refunds or credits tied to the fiscal year 2026 water-usage fee structure could total roughly $462,000 across affected service areas.
Grant, a county staff member who presented the memo, said the estimate was calculated by reapplying the adopted tiered usage rates as if customers’ multiple equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) had been combined when determining tier thresholds. He warned that any refunds or credits would reduce available fund balance for those service areas and that several of the service areas are projected to operate at a deficit in the proposed FY27 budget or are already heavily supported by the general fund.
"Based on current estimates, total potential refunds across all affected service areas are projected approximately 462,000," Grant said. He noted that the figures are estimates because FY26 billing activity is not yet complete and that projections for later quarters were based on FY25 consumption trends.
Staff said they would continue to evaluate the matter and return with further detail as requested. No formal action or direction to issue refunds was taken at the meeting.
The presentation flagged three operational implications: a reduction in available fund balance within affected service areas, potential increases in projected deficits for FY27, and the need for further billing analysis to confirm final amounts. Commissioners did not vote on refunds at the May 19 meeting; staff will refine the calculations and report back if commissioners seek formal relief for ratepayers.
The memo included a service-area level breakdown in the meeting packet; staff described the $462,000 total as an approximate figure subject to change once full FY26 billing is complete.
