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City staff explain proposed sewer and stormwater rate changes tied to Clean Water Services
Summary
Assistant City Manager Ellie Jones presented on regional and local sewer and stormwater charges tied to Clean Water Services, noted proposed utility rate increases effective July 1, 2026, and described plans for an updated utility rate study to improve transparency; councilors raised concerns about regional fee structure and impacts on residents.
Ellie Jones, Assistant City Manager for Business Operations, presented information to the Cornelius City Council on May 18, 2026, about Clean Water Services' regional charges and the City's local sewer and stormwater rates. Jones explained how those charges appear on customer utility bills, clarified that portions of some fees remain with the City to support local system expenses, and reviewed proposed utility rate increases scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026.
Jones also described plans for an updated utility rate study intended to improve transparency between Clean Water Services' regional charges and the City's utility charges. Council discussion focused on concerns about the regional fee structure, the clarity of billing, and potential impacts of regional infrastructure costs on Cornelius residents. The minutes record that no formal action or vote was taken on the item.
The presentation emphasized transparency measures and a forthcoming rate study; specific dollar amounts and the precise percentage increases were not specified in the minutes. Councilors encouraged staff to continue clarifying the interplay between regional fees collected by Clean Water Services and local utility charges to better inform residents ahead of the scheduled rate changes.
