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Ridgely reviews water and sewer rate study with 28%–38% increase scenarios; public town hall slated
Summary
Commissioner Sears presented a water and sewer rate study showing three rate scenarios — 28% to close the Enterprise Fund deficit, 35% to add a small contingency, and 38% to fund capital improvements — and announced a May 21 town hall plus a plan to introduce a draft resolution in June and hold a public hearing in July prior to any vote.
At the May 13, 2026 Commissioners Workshop, Commissioner Sears reviewed a water and sewer rate study that presented three prospective rate increases and outlined next steps for public engagement and formal consideration.
Sears presented three illustrative scenarios: a 28% increase intended to close a shortfall in the Enterprise Fund, a 35% increase projected to permit a small contingency in the fund, and a 38% increase intended to allow savings for capital improvements. He noted that rates will be reviewed by MDE because the town is pursuing a sewer line replacement grant and that the grant review by MDE could change the rate recommendation. Depreciation assumptions were also reviewed as part of the study.
Commissioner Sears scheduled public outreach: he will host an open Town Hall on May 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The commissioners expect to introduce a draft resolution in June and hold a public hearing in July prior to any vote on a rate change. The record does not show a vote at the May 13 workshop.
The study as discussed did not specify dollar impacts on individual bills or identify precise grant amounts; the transcript notes only the percentage scenarios and the planned public process. Additional financial details and any formal proposal will appear with the draft resolution and the public hearing materials.
